Zayn Khan claims victim status in trial for his father’s death. He denies affray amidst family feud and murder accusation.
Prosecutors say Annib Khan killed his uncle. Annib allegedly stabbed Mohammed in the neck using a kitchen knife, about 13.5cm long. This killing followed years of issues. Zayn tried to wake his dad up, but his dad did not respond at all. Zayn realized he was hurt too.
He left to get his wound treated, hoping his mother could help him. He last saw his father on Buffery Road. He told jurors he felt like a victim but police treated him like a suspect.
Annib denies murdering Mohammed. The incident happened on June 21st outside their grandmother’s house. Annib also denies wounding Zayn and having a blade. Zayn is also on trial for affray.
Zayn said he isn’t close to Annib, though they saw each other at their grandma’s house and at the mosque often. They haven’t spoken properly in years. Zayn knew of bad blood between them.
Zayn said his dad was upset that day because Annib insulted his mother at the mosque according to his dad. Zayn decided to talk to Annib because he was angry about the insult. He went to his grandma’s house.
His father then showed up at the house, which made Zayn even angrier. He had told his dad to wait. He admitted he shouted and said stupid things and threatened to smash up the house.
Zayn denied saying “every one of you is dead.” He said he said “everyone is dead to me.” His father calmed him down a while, then walked back to the house. Zayn followed him, acting on instinct.
Zayn saw Annib holding a metal bar and thought Annib would attack his father. Zayn tried to disarm him, grabbing Annib, who swung the bar. Zayn put him in a headlock.
Zayn threw Annib on the sofa inside and punched Annib three or four times. He didn’t see his dad with the metal bar back then. Annib’s father told Zayn to leave.
Zayn asked Annib why he disrespected his mother again, but Annib didn’t say anything in response. Zayn let go of his cousin. Mohammed then left the property soon after. Zayn saw Annib go to the kitchen sink and pick something up there.
Zayn said he saw his dad on the ground and Annib walking back up the drive. Zayn focused on his father at that point. Zayn felt a sharp pain as he left then. He ran to his father and tried to help.
Mohammed’s friend called 999 for urgent aid. Zayn drove to his mom’s house quickly so she could treat his injury promptly. Police let him return to Buffery Road, but he knew his father’s condition was dire. An air ambulance had arrived soon.
Zayn was treated in hospital, but police stopped his mother from visiting then. He learned his father had died early the next day when a family officer informed Zayn. Zayn broke down and cried.
The prosecutor said Annib was bullied and hit on the head with a metal bar. The fight moved outside eventually. Annib shoved Mohammed into his van. Then, he stabbed his uncle during all that.
He also stabbed Zayn in the back as Zayn left the house. Annib denies everything, claiming self-defense. The trial is still ongoing now.