Birmingham Couple Guilty of Attempted Murder in Animal Mask Attack

By Jason King

A youngBirmingham couplewho attacked a woman with ahammer and knifewhile wearinganimal maskshave been found guilty ofattempted murder.

Wasif Hussain, 21, and his wifeNabela Tabassum, 19, ambushed Hussain’s stepmother,Arifa Nazmin, in the kitchen of their family home onMidhurst Road, Kings Norton, on January 29 last year.

The couple attacked Nazmin with ahammer andknife, with Hussain striking her and Tabassum holding her legs. The court heard that Hussain shouted,“you will die for everything you have done.”

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Tabassum, who has a learning difficulties (low IQ)admitted feeling overwhelmed by the domestic tension, saying she had contemplatedsuicidedue to constant criticism from herstepmother-in-law. Hussain, who hasautism, claimed they feltunwelcomein the house.

Theunemployed couple, whose families had encouraged them tomarryafter discovering theironline relationship, blamed Hussain’s father’s new wife for making their livesunbearable. After the attack, they planned tokill both parents, burn the house to destroy evidence, andflee to Boltonfor a new life.

Nazmin fought back withdeterminationto save herself, forcing the couple to eventually relent, with Hussainshiftingfrom thehammer attackto atirade and rantagainst his father and stepmother. Despite suffering astab woundanddefensive injuries, she managed toescapeandcall for help.

Hussain and Tabassum fled to aTravelodge in Bolton, where they werearrestedin the early hours of the next day. On March 27, Hussain was unanimously convicted ofattempted murderatBirmingham Crown Court, while Tabassum was found guilty by a majority of 11 to 1. They will besentenced on May 21.

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ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing

As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:

Understanding Attempted Murder and Sentencing

In the UK,attempted murderis a serious criminal offence under theCriminal Attempts Act 1981. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that the accused not only intended to kill but also took significant steps toward committing the act. Unlike murder, where the victim dies, attempted murder involves a failed or incomplete act of killing.

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Themaximum sentencefor attempted murder islife imprisonment, reflecting the gravity of the intent to take a life. In determining the sentence, courts consider factors such aspremeditation, theuse of weapons, and theimpact on the victim. Aggravating factors, like the use of a knife or hammer as in this case, can increase the severity of the sentence.

Judges have some discretion in setting theminimum termbefore parole can be considered. However, even after serving the minimum term, an offender will only be released if theParole Boarddeems them no longer a danger to the public. If released, they remain onlicence for lifeand can be recalled to prison if they breach the conditions of their release.

This case highlights how the justice system handlespremeditated violent attacks, emphasizing that those who plan and attempt to take a life will facesignificant custodial sentences.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Jason King

Birmingham City-Desk

Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews

[email protected]