Knife-wielding duo jailed for life for attempted murder

Two men have been jailed for life after a man was stabbed nine times during a ‘frenzied’ attack last year.

 

Ehsan Khan and Abdul Hussain, both 19, approached the victim as he walked along Wingate Road, Luton, shortly after 7.15pm on Monday 24 July 2023.  

 

After a short interaction, in which the convicted men questioned the victim about an acquaintance, the pair brandished large knives before chasing the victim into the car park of B&M Home Store. 

 

Unable to escape, the victim fell as Khan and Hussain unleashed their attack. 

 

The victim, a 20-year-old man, received nine knife stab wounds, puncturing his arm, legs, chest and abdomen.  

 

Detectives launched an investigation and identified Khan and Hussain as the suspects. 

 

Khan, of Pembroke Avenue, and Hussain, of Maidenhall Road, were both found guilty of attempted murder and one count of possession of a bladed article following a two-and-a-half-week trial at Huntingdon Crown Court last month. 

 

At the same court on Tuesday (3 September), both men were handed life prison sentences to serve a minimum of 12 years before being considered for parole. 

 

Sentencing the pair, Her Honour Judge Walden-Smith said Khan and Hussain “are both dangerous. 

 

“Neither of you have shown remorse or insight into the damage caused to the victim. 

 

“It’s not one young life changed, but three, the two of you included.” 

 

Describing the impact of the incident, the victim said: “Since July 2023, my life has drastically changed. I no longer have a social life and barely speak to people or friends. I haven’t been able to get back into my normal way of living since. 

 

“Before the stabbing, I used to work every day, and when I had days off, I was spending time with friends either working out or doing plenty of other social activities. However, since the stabbing I barely leave the house, and I’d only go outside if I have to. Every time I go out, it’s like my fight or flight kicks in again and I’m back at the incident in the car park.  

 

“I don’t trust people anymore. I don’t want to be near people as I don’t want to risk my life. I survived before, but maybe I won’t the next time.” 

 

During the trial, the jury heard how Khan fled the country just 48 hours after the violent attack, returning more than two weeks later. Officers attended Heathrow Airport on Saturday 12 August 2023, where Khan was arrested on return to the country. 

 

Hussain also made attempts to flee the country, evading police for almost three weeks before handing himself to Luton Police Station, two days after Khan was apprehended. 

 

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Nema Behzadi, from the Bedfordshire Police Boson unit, said: “This has been a lengthy and trying period for the victim, especially while the impact of this incident continues to affect his daily life. Our hope is that these results are a welcome and somewhat comforting end to this phase of his recovery. 

 

“Khan and Hussain behaved in a way that can only be described as frenzied, predatory and vicious. They surrounded and intimidated the victim before unleashing a ferocious attack in a public space. Their sentencing follows a meticulous investigation which was supported wholeheartedly by the local community. I would like to extend my gratitude for the role they played in helping us secure justice for the victim. 

 

“I would also like to urge anyone who is considering carrying a blade to think twice. There are only two outcomes for people involved in knife crime and both of them are a loss to you, your family and the wider community. Just drop it.” 

 

For more information on the county’s Just Drop It knife crime campaign, visit the Just Drop It page.