Victim’s Uncle Expresses Relief As Attackers Are Jailed
23/12/2010
The uncle of a Rotherham man who was brutally assaulted with a sledgehammer handle has spoken of his relief as his attackers were sentenced to a collective 16 years in prison, but admitted that his nephew’s life “will never be the same again”.
Ismail Hussain, 22, suffered life-changing brain injuries after being attacked by Shiraz and Shamas Ali as he was having his hair cut at a local barber shop in August 2010. His attackers left him with such severe injuries that the barber had to use almost every towel in his shop to mop up the excess blood.
Mr Hussain’s injuries have left him requiring lifelong care and supervision and he is unlikely to be able to work in the future. Brain injury specialists at Irwin Mitchell are helping to fight for funding to support Mr Hussain’s long term care and rehabilitation.
Mr Hussain’s attackers, Shamas Ali, 20, and Shiraz Ali, 17, both from Masbrough, pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent at Sheffield Crown Court on 21 December 2010. Shamas was sentenced to nine years imprisonment while brother Shiraz received seven years.
Speaking after the sentencing, Ismail’s uncle, Haroon Rashed, expressed his relief but remains concerned about the lasting effect that the attack will have on Ismail’s life.
“We are pleased that Ismail’s attackers have been punished for their crimes but nothing can ever be done to turn back time,” he said “We were devastated when we found out about the incident and our lives will never be the same.
“I went to the scene of the attack and can still remember seeing Ismail lying motionless and covered in blood. It was just horrendous and I am still having flashbacks of the scene now.
“In a few years his attackers will be out of prison and will be able to enjoy a normal life, while Ismail is left fighting to overcome injuries which will last a lifetime. As a family we will do everything in our power to support him and care for him.”
Caroline Jepson, a specialist lawyer in the head injury team at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Mr Hussain suffered serious brain injuries as a result of this brutal attack, and sadly this has changed his life forever.
“Amongst other things he now suffers from learning difficulties, memory loss, constant pain and mobility problems, and will need a high level of specialist care for the rest of his life.
“He was the victim of a vicious and brutal crime and deserves the best support and rehabilitation available. Irwin Mitchell is already working with the family to achieve this and will continue to fight on behalf of Ismail.”
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