Three people have been jailed for their roles in a violent machete attack carried out during a feud between rival organised crime groups in Rochdale.
Manchester Crown Court heard how Abbas Mushtaq suffered life-changing injuries when masked men armed with a machete and sword forced their way into his family home on Mellor Street shortly before midday on 22 May 2021.
The attack left Mushtaq critically injured and also wounded his mother as she attempted to protect him.
The court heard the assault formed part of an escalating conflict between rival organised crime groups involved in drug supply operations in the Rochdale area.
Asad Ali, 31, of Marne Crescent, Rochdale, was jailed for six years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to wound with intent.
Hasan Alam, 26, of Dean Court, Rochdale, was sentenced to eight years after admitting violent disorder, multiple drug trafficking offences, money laundering, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.
Sonia Ali, 34, of Burnley Lane, Oldham, was sentenced to 18 months after pleading guilty to participating in the activities of an organised crime group and failing to comply with a court order requiring access to her mobile phone.
The court heard that Sonia Ali played a crucial role in the attack by acting as a decoy.
After knocking on the door of the Mellor Street property, she falsely accused Abbas Mushtaq of being responsible for a car being set on fire and claimed her son was in hospital. As the door was opened, two masked men forced their way inside and ran directly upstairs.
The attackers located Mushtaq asleep in a bedroom he shared with his younger brothers.
One attacker repeatedly struck him with a machete before stabbing him in the chest. A second attacker armed with a sword then joined the assault.
Mushtaq’s mother attempted to intervene but suffered an injury to her hand when she tried to grab one of the weapons.
The court heard the family home descended into chaos as relatives feared Mushtaq had been killed.
He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition suffering multiple wounds to his chest, back, arms and hands.
The victim later said he was unable to use both hands following the attack and required daily care. Years later he still suffers visible scarring and ongoing physical and psychological effects.
Prosecutors said the attack was orchestrated by Asad Ali, who was not present but coordinated events remotely.
Text messages sent the night before the assault were shown to the court. Following the torching of a vehicle belonging to one of his brothers, Asad Ali messaged: “Your boys to run thew his house” and “that wat we gona have to do”.
The prosecution said weapons were gathered and prepared before the attack, with the operation involving multiple offenders travelling in convoy to the victim’s address.
One of the attackers, Owais Ali, was jailed in August 2021 for six years after being convicted of wounding with intent, unlawful wounding and possession of an offensive weapon.
A second attacker has yet to be identified and remains outstanding.
The court also heard details of a suspected revenge attack involving Hasan Alam five months later.
In October 2021, Alam’s vehicle was rammed off the road on Shawclough Road in Rochdale, causing it to overturn. He was then dragged from the wreckage and seriously assaulted.
Police discovered wraps of cocaine and diamorphine, along with cash, inside the vehicle. Alam suffered a fractured skull and severe injuries to his eye during the attack.
Further drug offences were uncovered in September 2024 when officers stopped Alam in Rochdale and found heroin, cocaine, cash and drug paraphernalia inside his vehicle.
Sentencing the defendants, Judge Tina Landale described the original assault as a “terrifying and truly appalling attack” that caused “appallingly serious” injuries.
Detective Constable Melanie Jeffery said: “This was a shocking and deeply unsettling attack, carried out brazenly in broad daylight on a Saturday, just yards from a busy shopping area where families were going about their lives.
“The extreme violence displayed involving weapons and masked individuals was utterly reckless and showed a complete disregard for public safety.”
Detective Inspector Sam Taylor of GMP’s Rochdale CID added: “This was a carefully orchestrated and targeted attack, carried out with the clear intent to cause serious harm.
“Thanks to a thorough and determined investigation, we were able to bring those responsible before the courts.”