Man found not guilty of murder after killing woman with axe in Nelson
Last updated 13th Jan 2022
A man who attacked a couple in their home in Nelson has been found not guilty of murder.
Mohammed Malik was on the stand at Preston Crown Court yesterday (12th January).
Malik attacked Ishrat and Afaq Ahmed with an axe in the doorway of their home in the Lancashire town in July last year.
Ishrat, 52, suffered serious head injuries and died later in hospital. Afaq was also taken to hospital suffering serious brain injuries but has since recovered.
Mr Malik had driven to the Roberts Street house looking for the Ahmed’s son Wasim who ha Ishrat and Afaqd been married to one of Malik’s daughters. The couple had split acrimoniously and there were ongoing disputes between the pair, of which Mr Malik was aware.
Following the attack Malik drove back to his home address where he was arrested a short time later.
The weapon was subsequently found by police hidden in the back garden.
Malik, 58, of Heights Road, Nelson,was cleared of murder and attempted murder following a trial at Preston Crown Court. He will be sentenced for manslaughter and wounding (Sec 20) on February 11th.
Detective Chief Inspector Allen Davies, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: ““My thoughts today are first and foremost with the loved ones of Ishrat Ahmed who was killed in the most brutal fashion.
“Mohammed Malik launched an attack of unsparing violence on the Ahmed’s using a weapon he had chosen and taken to their home address.
“I would like to thank the prosecution team for their presentation of this case and accept the jury’s decision today.”