Brutal Brighton Murder: Man Stabbed Eight Times in Drug-Linked Attack
Abdul, 22, Fatally Stabbed After Car Crash
Abdul Deghayes, just 22, was found critically injured inside a crashed car on Elm Grove, Brighton, at 9.30pm on February 16, 2019. The young man had been stabbed eight times in a savage assault by 37-year-old Daniel Macleod, from Lambeth, London. The attack unfolded at Hanover Court and was witnessed by Abdul’s friend.
Despite being rushed to Royal Sussex County Hospital, Abdul tragically died at 6am the following day.
Murderer Jailed for Minimum 19 Years
On November 13, Macleod was locked up for at least 19 years after pleading guilty to Abdul’s murder. He also admitted conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs, earning an additional 85 months, to run at the same time.
Stephen Burns, 56, of Brighton, was cleared of assisting an offender but confessed to drug conspiracy charges. He was sentenced to 34 months behind bars.
Another man, Abdi Dahir, 25, was handed 50 months after pleading guilty to the same drug conspiracy offences uncovered during the murder probe.
Five-Week Trial Reveals Chilling Details
The murder trial at Southwark Crown Court lasted five weeks, ending on October 9 with the jury delivering their guilty verdict.
“Daniel Macleod killed Abdul Deghayes in a brutal attack,” said Detective Chief Inspector Colin Pirie, head of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team. “Abdul was stabbed eight times across his legs, buttocks, and back in a sustained assault. He fought back, evident from defensive wounds on his hands.”
“Despite Macleod’s claim he was acting in self-defence, the court rejected this. Our thoughts are with Abdul’s family and friends as this investigation sheds light on how and by whom he died.”
Investigation Uncovered Extensive Drug Operation
The investigation exposed Macleod’s dark drug empire in Brighton, leading to the seizure of huge quantities of drugs, cash, and organised crime evidence.
Detective Chief Inspector Pirie praised his officers for their dedication, saying, “This was a fast-moving inquiry involving long hours and brave witnesses coming forward. Our team’s professionalism and sacrifices were vital to bringing justice for Abdul.”
