Three jailed for roles in violent Rochdale machete attack

Three individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in a violent machete attack connected to a feud between rival organised crime groups in Rochdale in May 2021.

Sonia Ali, Hasan Alam, and Asad Ali were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on 19th June for their part in the assault on Mellor Street, which left a victim with life-changing injuries.

Sentencing details

Asad Ali, 31, of Marne Crescent, Rochdale, received a six-year sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy to wound with intent.

Hasan Alam, 26, of Dean Court, Rochdale, was sentenced to eight years for violent disorder, driving whilst disqualified, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and money laundering.

Sonia Ali, 34, of Burnley Lane, Oldham, was sentenced to 18 months for failure to comply with a s.49 notice and participating in organised crime activities.

During the attack on 22nd May 2021, two men armed with a machete and an axe entered a property, where they inflicted serious injuries on one of the victims and minor injuries on another. Sonia Ali acted as a decoy, aiding the entry of the attackers.

Investigation outcomes

Sonia Ali later refused to provide access to her mobile device during the investigation. Hasan Alam served as a getaway driver, while Asad Ali orchestrated the attack remotely, coordinating the use of weapons and transport.

The attack was a result of escalating tensions between two crime groups involved in drug supply in the Rochdale area. One of the attackers was jailed in 2021, but another remains at large.

Police response

Detective Constable Melanie Jeffery described the attack as brazen and dangerous, vowing continued pursuit of those responsible for serious criminality. She said, “This was a shocking and deeply unsettling attack… The extreme violence displayed was utterly reckless.”

Detective Inspector Sam Taylor from GMP’s Rochdale CID stressed the level of orchestration involved in the attack and the ongoing commitment to tackling knife crime: “Thanks to a thorough investigation, we were able to bring those responsible before the courts.

Today's sentencing underscores law enforcement’s resolve to address organised crime and ensure community safety within Rochdale and beyond. Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.