Man Jailed for 16 Years After Killing Friend With Axe in Hartlepool

Callum Howe, 23, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after being found guilty of manslaughter for the fatal attack on his friend, Mohammed Shaan Ali Rasul, 23. The killing took place in Howe's flat on Allerton Close in Hartlepool in November, and a post-mortem found Rasul died from extensive facial and head injuries.

Court Findings

At Teesside Crown Court jurors acquitted Howe of murder but found him guilty of manslaughter following just over three hours of deliberation. Judge Francis Laird KC described the assault as a "frenzied and brutal attack" and said Rasul "did not stand a chance at surviving."

Incident Details

Victim Mohammed Shaan Ali Rasul was struck in the face at least 10 times with an axe or hatchet [Cleveland Police]

Emergency services were called after neighbours reported seeing Howe jump from a first-floor window and stumble in the cul-de-sac. Police and paramedics discovered Rasul on the bedroom floor of the flat shortly after 11:15 GMT on 23 November and attempted CPR, but he was pronounced dead soon afterwards.

Injuries and Forensics

Pathologist Dr Louise Mulcahy gave evidence that Rasul suffered at least 12 significant impacts to the head and face, including around 10 blows consistent with a heavy instrument with a sharp cutting edge, such as an axe recovered at the scene. He sustained multiple facial and skull fractures, including injuries to the eye socket and jaw, and several teeth were knocked out. The post-mortem concluded these injuries likely compromised his airway and breathing.

Prosecution and Defence

Emergency services were called to Allerton Court in Hartlepool [BBC]

Prosecutor Peter Makepeace KC described Howe as being in a "drug-fuelled rage" and said the attack may have been connected to disputes over drugs. Defence barrister Nicholas Lumley KC maintained Howe acted in self-defence, claiming he had "fought for his life" against a man he said was "full of cocaine with a hatchet." The jury rejected the murder charge but convicted on manslaughter.

Sentence and Mitigation

Howe was sentenced to 16 years in custody with an extended licence period of five years, subject to conditions. The judge ordered that Howe serve at least two-thirds of the custodial term before the case is referred to the Parole Board. In mitigation the court accepted the offence was not premeditated, noted Howe's youth and previously good character, and recorded that he had expressed remorse.

Victim Impact

In a victim impact statement, Rasul's sister described him as a kind young man who would help anyone and lamented the devastating effect his loss has had on the family. She told the court that what happened had "destroyed an entire family" and left a "permanent emptiness in our hearts."

Judge Laird: "You bludgeoned him to death in what must've been a frenzied and brutal attack... What you did went way beyond what could be considered as any form of self-defence."