Four men have been jailed for life for the murder of a father-of-four who was subjected to a "vicious, terrifying and sustained attack" with a machete in the street.

Sajed Choudry suffered horrific injuries, including slash wounds to his ears and his skull being hacked open, when he was attacked near his home in Rhyl Avenue in Blackburn, on November 27 last year amid a feud between neighbours.

At Preston Crown Court today, judge Mr Justice Dove sentenced Sadaqat Ali, 36, his brother Rafaqat Ali, 38, their father-in-law Fazal Ilahi, 63, and another man, Syed Ali Akbar, 45, to life terms.

He said: "Anyone who has observed the evidence in this trial as it has unfolded will have been astonished and horrified to learn how a respectable family, leading a constructive and responsible life in the community, allowed itself to so rapidly descend into callous violence and murder, killing one of their neighbours and seriously injuring his son."

The court heard that 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, Akbar and a boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also joined them for a confrontation with the Choudrys.

Lancashire Telegraph: Sajed Choudry, who was attacked in Blackburn in November 2018

Sajed Choudry 

Mr Justice Dove said: "Sajed Choudry and Ahsan Choudry were completely outnumbered by Ali's group and they were subjected to a vicious, terrifying and sustained attack.

"Sajed Choudry was slashed and chopped by the machete."

The court heard that Ahsan Choudry tried to escape but was chased and suffered an "appalling injury" to his hand as he tried to fend off the knife.

Members of the Choudry family were in tears in the public gallery as the men were sentenced.

The judge told the defendants: "By your actions you have left a void in this family which will never be filled."

Sadaqat Ali, of Rhyl Avenue, who was found guilty of murder and attempted murder after a trial, was sentenced to a minimum of 32 years.

The judge said he played the leading role in the attack, which was "undoubtedly planned".

Guy Gozem QC, defending, said: "Before this night Sadaqat Ali was regarded as a friendly, hard-working, considerate, caring, good-natured, calm and reliable individual.

"Something happened that changed all of that and his previous life and good character."

Rafaqat Ali and Ilahi, both of Tenby Close, and Akbar, of Cedar Street, were found guilty of murder and wounding with intent following the eight-week trial.

Rafaqat Ali was sentenced to a minimum of 28 years and Ilahi and Akbar were jailed for a minimum term of 20 years.

The youth, who was convicted of manslaughter and wounding, will be sentenced next month.

Saira Ali, 35, and Asma Ali, 34, the wives of Sadaqat and Rafaqat, were cleared earlier in the trial of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Paying tribute to Sajed, his family said: “Sajed was the heart of our family and was loved dearly and well respected. We have been left heartbroken and absolutely devastated by his passing, as have the many people whose lives he touched.

"He was always there for his family and would make time for anyone who needed it. We are still struggling to come to terms with the cruel way in which Sajed was taken from us and ask that we are given the time to grieve our loss in private.”

Detective Chief Inspector Pauline Stables of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “We welcome the lengthy prison sentences handed out today which reflect the serious nature of the incident which has ultimately destroyed the lives of everyone involved and had a huge impact on the local community.

“It is clear that taking to the streets with weapons of any kind to settle disputes can have devastating consequences for everyone.

“This has been a complex and lengthy investigation and my thanks go out to all the officers and staff involved in working to seek justice for Ashan and Sajed. I would also like to commend the jury for their attentive approach to this trial and their careful deliberations.

“My thoughts and those of my team are very much with the Choudrys at this difficult time and I hope that the results today will give them some form of closure.”

Sentencing the four men, His Honour Judge Dove, said: “You were all responsible for the devastating consequences of that evening.

“Sajed Choudry was a strong family man who was clearly loved and respected. By your actions you have left a void in his family which will never be filled.

“The pain and anguish that you have caused to so many is incalculable.”

Sarah Gallagher, Senior Crown Prosecutor said: “This was a very alarming incident which escalated in violence and resulted in murder.  The group of men sentenced today were armed with weapons and intended using them. 

 “The CPS and Lancashire police worked closely together to prove to the jury that they each played a part in the violence that led to Sajed Choudry’s death and the serious injuries suffered by his son.   

 “The sentences handed out today show the terrible consequences of taking the law into your own hands to settle a dispute.  Sajed Choudry’s family and friends have been left devastated by their terrible loss. Our thoughts and condolences remain with at this time."