Gordon Cole QC from Exchange Chambers has successfully prosecuted four men who murdered a father with a machete in a “vicious, terrifying and sustained attack” following a family feud.
Sajed Choudry died two weeks after being hit on the side of the head in Rhyl Avenue, Blackburn, Lancashire, in November.
The 43-year-old suffered horrific injuries following a row between two families, Preston Crown Court heard.
Judge Mr Justice Dove said he had been “slashed and chopped by the machete”.
Sadaqat Ali, 36, his brother Rafaqat Ali, 38, their father-in-law Fazal Ilahi, 63, and another man, Syed Ali Akbar, 45, received life sentences following an eight-week trial.
The court heard the family had been involved in a feud with Mr Choudry’s family since May 2018 and, on the evening of the attack, Sadaqat Ali had initially armed himself with a machete and tried to confront Mr Choudry’s son, Ahsan, 24.
He then went to Ilahi’s home, where the men armed themselves with an axe and sticks.
Rafaqat Ali and Akbar also joined them for a confrontation.
Mr Justice Dove said Sajed and Ahsan Choudry were “completely outnumbered”.
Ahsan tried to escape but was chased and suffered an “appalling injury” to his hand.
Sadaqat Ali, of Rhyl Avenue, who was found guilty of murder and attempted murder was sentenced to a minimum of 32 years for his leading role in the “undoubtedly planned” attack.
Rafaqat Ali and Ilahi, of Tenby Close, and Akbar, of Cedar Street, were found guilty of murder and wounding with intent.
Rafaqat Ali was jailed for a minimum of 28 years and Ilahi and Akbar were jailed for a minimum term of 20 years.
Gordon Cole QC is a member of the criminal team at Exchange Chambers.