The family of Shamus Hussain have paid tribute to the 39-year-old after six men were convicted over his killing in Crow Nest Park, Dewsbury.
Leeds Crown Court heard that a verbal argument took place on Saturday, 12 July, on Pilgrim Drive in Dewsbury Moor involving Mr Hussain, Basit Ali, Sakeb Ali Khan, Zeeshan Khan and another male.
The court was told that a group of men then followed Mr Hussain into Crow Nest Park, where he was attacked in broad daylight with baseball bats and hockey sticks. He was also stabbed twice in the back, sustaining fatal injuries.
Following a trial lasting more than six weeks, a jury on Thursday, 26 February, returned guilty verdicts.
Saqlain Ali, 21, Basit Ali, 31, and Sakeb Ali Khan, 32, all of Pilgrim Drive, Dewsbury, along with Zeeshan Khan, 19, of Pilgrim Crescent, Dewsbury, were found guilty of murder.
Asim Akram, 21, and Faizaan Akram, 19, both of Pilgrim Crescent, Dewsbury, were found guilty of manslaughter.
In a statement, Mr Hussain’s family described him as a “much-loved son, father and brother”.
“As a family we have been left heartbroken by the death of Shamus,” they said. “He was a much-loved son, father and brother, whose kindness, warmth and presence meant so much to those around him.
“His family, friends and all who knew him will feel his loss deeply and he is missed every day.”
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, senior investigating officer on the case, described the killing as “a brutal and needless act of violence”.
“Shamus Hussain was attacked in broad daylight in a public park in Dewsbury on a summer’s evening last year,” he said.
“It was a brutal and needless act of violence that resulted in him suffering injuries that, tragically, he did not survive.
“From the moment we launched a murder investigation, my team of officers worked tirelessly in a fast-paced environment and very trying circumstances.
“I’m pleased that following a diligent and thorough enquiry we were able to gather the evidence needed to secure convictions against the men responsible for Shamus’ death.
“These convictions will not bring Shamus back, but I hope it serves as some comfort to his friends and family. Our thoughts remain with them today.”