"I PLAY the incident over and over in my mind thinking about what I could have done to save his life.”
That’s what the father of Raheem Hanif said in an emotional address to Reading Crown Court yesterday.
Abdul Hanif, who was with his 26-year-old son when four men attacked Raheem on February 6, 2021, was speaking just before the defendants were sentenced on Wednesday, March 23.
Abas Khan, 24, and Kamran Chowdhary, 18, were sentenced to 26 years and 14 years in prison respectively for Raheem’s murder.
Humzah Sikander, 18, and Shekuh Conteh, 17, were sentenced to six years and four years in prison respectively for manslaughter.
READ MORE: Recap as judge sentences Raheem Hanif killers
All four defendants were convicted of grievous bodily harm without intent after Raheem’s father, Abdul, was also attacked on the night Raheem died.
He had been driving Raheem home in his van when the four defendants ambushed the father and son on Dulnan Close in Tilehurst.
They were boxed in by Khan’s red Range Rover and Chowdhary got out and stabbed Raheem with a machete.
Abdul’s arm was broken after Sikander hit him with a baseball bat.
Speaking in an emotional tribute to his son at the sentencing of the four killers, Abdul Hanif said: "I play the incident over and over in my mind thinking about what I could have done to save his life.
“Raheem and I were really close. We were more like brothers and best friends. He was my support, I was his support, we would look after each other. In 2020 I had a heart attack and he helped make me strong physically and mentally.
“Since he has been gone, my life has never been the same. You lot still have your lives. I hope to God you understand what this means.
READ MORE: Killers locked up for decades after 'needless' murder
“I feel guilty that I survived this and Raheem is not here. It should have been me instead of him. Nobody knows the pain I feel of losing him.
“He was always hard-working. Prior to his death, he was doing three jobs.
“I'm so proud of him and my whole life is never going to be the same without him.
“I find it hard to go back to Dulnan Close and I have trouble sleeping because I have nightmares. I believe I am suffering from PTSD. I have become very sensitive to loud noises and bangs and I find it hard to trust people.
“I'm still not working full-time and I'm only earning a quarter of what I did before this happened.
“The police and CPS have done a fantastic job with their investigation. But this won't bring Raheem back.
“The person responsible for Raheem's death has caused complete devastation for my family and the community.”
Benjamin Aina QC, prosecuting, also read a statement from Bushra Parveen, Raheem Hanif’s mother.
READ MORE: One arrested after fight erupts between killers and spills onto street
In her statement, she said: “I have become very lonely and depressed.
“I miss Raheem so much and when I come home I don't want to sit on my own.
“I often sit at the table and look across and expect to see him there, but of course, he is not there.
“Since his death I feel like calling him, seeing if he is okay.
“I try to keep my feelings inside and it really hurts me to think about him.
“All I want to do is see him again and give him a cuddle and kiss him.
“I see him in my dreams all the time. I cuddle him and kiss him and feel like he has not gone anywhere.
“When I wake up and he is not there anymore I feel so empty.
“I also feel there is nothing left for me anymore.”
“I'm unable to concentrate on anything.
“I have started forgetting things. I have no inner peace.
“It has affected my mother a lot as he was the only grandson she had. She cries all the time.
“When she talks about him it affects me more.
READ MORE: Face of Raheem Hanif killer revealed for the first time
“It feels like someone has put a dagger in my heart.”
Following the sentence, Claire Wiggett of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “This is a heart-breaking case where Raheem Hanif was murdered before his father’s eyes in a violent and senseless attack.
“The strength of the evidence we presented in court, including witness statements, phone data, forensic evidence and CCTV footage led to a successful prosecution, and these four men will now serve long prison sentences for what they did.
“Arguments happen, but no dispute is worth the cost of a life. Our thoughts go out to Abdul Hanif and all Raheem’s loved ones who have suffered an immeasurable loss.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel