SHEFFIELD — Zulkernain Ahmed received a life sentence with a minimum term of 30 years for the murder of 16-year-old Abdullah Yaser Abdullah Taleb. The sentencing occurred at Sheffield Crown Court after Ahmed struck the victim with a vehicle on a pavement. Armaan Ahmed, Ahmed's brother, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for manslaughter.
A jury convicted both brothers in February following a trial. The incident stemmed from a dispute over an e-bike stolen from Ahmed at knifepoint. The vehicle was driven toward a group of three riders, two on e-bikes and one on a moped.
Mrs Justice Amanda Tipples characterized the event from the bench. "The killing was senseless and shocking." Justice Tipples said. Ahmed had previously alleged that La'Rome Divers threatened him and his family. Divers did not cooperate with the police investigation.
Prosecutor Alistair MacDonald KC presented a statement in court from Yaser Abdullah Taleb Al Yazidi, the victim's father. Al Yazidi stated that his son had lived in Sheffield for two months before his death and planned to enroll in college. Video footage captured Taleb throwing and catching a water bottle immediately before he was struck.
Al Yazidi described his reasons for moving to England with his family. "Life in Yemen was almost impossible – war, gangs, and individuals carrying weapons." Al Yazidi said. Al Yazidi also stated, "He was an optimistic person who loved life and loved people. He was happy to arrive in a safe country."