Azizur Rahman (21/05/1986) of NFA was found guilty by a majority verdict at Manchester Crown Court today (Friday 4 April 2025) of the following charges:
- Kidnap.
- Robbery.
- Section 18 assault.
- Intentional strangulation.
- Pervert the course of justice.
Shohad Miah (30/04/2000) of Fir Bank Road, Royton, was found guilty of the following charges:
- Kidnap.
- Section 20 assault.
- Intentional strangulation.
- Pervert the course of justice.
On Sunday 15 September 2024 the defendants, acting together, kidnapped an 87-year-old man and subjected him to a sustained assault, causing him very serious injuries.
In the aftermath, the car used in the kidnap was burnt out in a failed plan to destroy any trace of forensic evidence, which would lead the investigation team to the offender’s identification and arrest.
The pair’s actions included:
- Forcing the victim into a car and activating child locks to trap him.
- Subjecting him to a violent assault, including strangulation and threats with a knife.
- Robbing him of his phone, money, and keys.
- Forcing him to drink alcohol and stripping him of his clothing.
- Abandoning him on a dark road in Rishworth, West Yorkshire.
The victim suffered serious injuries, including a bleed on the brain, lacerations, bruising, and knocked-out teeth. He was eventually released and a member of the public called an ambulance and he was taken to hospital.
The investigation revealed significant evidence against Rahman and Miah, including mobile phone data, CCTV footage, forensic evidence from the burnt car, and dashcam recordings.
Detective Sergeant Rick Bolt, of our Major Incident Team, said:
Azizur Rahman and Shohad Miah have been convicted for their heinous crimes. This conviction serves as a reminder that such acts of violence will not be tolerated, and justice will be served.
This was not a random attack; the victim was specifically targeted due to a prior visit to Rahman’s home, where he had performed prayers and provided amulets for Rahman’s stepson.
Fortunately, the kidnap was captured on CCTV footage, which along with other evidence, led investigation officers to the offenders.
