Martin Heslop QC Secures Acquittal of Notorious Gangland Murder
Of the 13 defendants tried for the gangland murder of 18 year old rival Abdulwahab Hafidah in Moss Side Manchester, Martin Heslop QC secured the only acquittal after trial in the case. The remainder were convicted of murder or manslaughter in the two trials.
Hafidah was a member of gang Rusholme Crips (influenced by the notorious Los Angeles Crips Gang) which are based around Manchester’s ‘curry mile’. Hafidah was pursued and attacked after he strayed into rival gang AO (Action Only)’s territory whereby defendants aged between 15 and 21 allegedly chased Hafidah for more than five miles along busy roads in the evening rush hour on 12 May last year.
CCTV footage released by Greater Manchester Police showed cars swerving to avoid the pack at a busy junction as Mr Hafidah fled his pursuers on foot and bicycles through traffic. He was cornered close to Moss Side fire station before being attacked with knives and hammers according to the prosecution.
Martin’s defendant, who was alleged to be the ring leader and organiser of the brutal attack on the 18 year old victim was unanimously cleared of all charges by the jury following a five week trial.
Categories: News
