Teen Convicted of Brutal Knife Murder in Leytonstone
Emadh Miah, 18, from Solihull Road, West Midlands, was found guilty at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 4 April, of murdering 18-year-old Ghulam Sadiq.
Miah had earlier admitted to possessing an offensive weapon but denied murder, claiming diminished responsibility. The jury wasn’t fooled.
Careful Planning Unmasked by Jury
Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley of the Met’s Specialist Crime said:
“This is one of those rare cases where we have never been able to conclusively establish a motive for the crime. Miah tried to claim diminished responsibility, but the careful planning that went into buying weapons and his actions throughout the day of the fatal attack meant the jury were able to see through his deceit.”
She added, “Ghulam’s family have now seen the man responsible for his death brought to justice, but I know that their anguish and loss will be with them forever and our thoughts remain with them.”
Miah’s Failed Attempts to Buy Deadly Knives Online
- On 23 July 2022, then 17-year-old Miah tried to buy a 15-inch Rambo-style knife using a fake ID. The seller rejected the order after spotting the false documents.
- The next day, he successfully ordered two knives—‘Fantasy Spartan Sword blackout version’—using another fake identity. The knives were sent to his Solihull address but never picked up.
These knives closely matched the weapon used to fatally stab Ghulam.
The Fatal Day: Stalking, Stabbing and Escape
On 6 August 2022, Miah travelled from Birmingham to London. He took a train to Stratford, hired a bike, and cycled around Leytonstone, hood up, gloves on, and his face hidden behind a surgical mask.
He waited outside the street where Ghulam lived. When Ghulam arrived on his bike, Miah pulled out a knife. Ghulam tried to flee, but Miah chased him down and stabbed him in the back.
Ghulam managed to cycle to a nearby restaurant on High Road, Leytonstone, where he collapsed. Despite efforts by the public and emergency services, he was pronounced dead at 2.39 pm.
Investigation and Arrest
The Met’s Specialist Crime Unit quickly launched a probe. They traced Miah’s movements and matched his clothes from CCTV footage at the scene.
Miah was found and arrested in Walsall on 9 August 2022. He declined to comment during police interviews and was charged with murder.
At trial, Miah admitted manslaughter but denied murder. The jury saw through his defence and delivered a guilty verdict.
