Brutal Murderers Jailed for 48 Years After Savage Attack on Neighbour
Two thugs who bound, beat, and stabbed a kind-hearted man to death in his own home have been locked up for a combined 48 years. Craig Stanton, 43, from Southgate Huddersfield, and Alexander MacKay, 47, of Dewsbury, were sentenced at Leeds Crown Court for the murder of 61-year-old Saleem Butt from Batley.
Violent Burglary Ends in Fatal Attack
The pair broke into Mr Butt’s home on Hyrstlands Road in the early hours of April 24 this year through an open window. Inside, they tied him up and launched a vicious, sustained assault during a botched burglary. Despite ransacking the house, robbers left without taking anything valuable.
A post-mortem revealed Mr Butt died from severe head and neck injuries caused by the brutal attack.
Police Praise Community and Highlight Danger of Killers
Stanton and MacKay were caught days later following a major probe by the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson said: “The murder of Saleem Butt was a horrific offence involving a sustained and exceptionally brutal attack.”
“The violence they inflicted was frankly inexplicable and demonstrates the real danger these men pose. Their strong sentences reflect the extreme gravity of their actions.”
He added: “Mr Butt was well-known and loved in the community as a keen gardener and neighbour who often helped others. His murder shocked many.”
DCI Nicholson also thanked residents for helping police track down the killers and hoped the sentencing would bring some comfort to Mr Butt’s family and friends.
