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A man has been jailed for 28 years after launching a ferocious and sustained assault on a former friend, repeatedly striking him in the head with a metal dumbbell bar and leaving him for dead in the road.
Abdusalam Hassan, 27, was convicted of attempted murder following a trial in April. The court heard that Hassan delivered 31 blows to the victim’s head during the violent attack on Burton Road, Derby.
Victim Left in Road as Cars Swerved Around Him
After the savage assault, Hassan left the critically injured man lying in the street, where cars had to swerve to avoid hitting him. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the victim was taken to hospital with life-threatening brain injuries.
The sentencing hearing at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court on Monday heard that the victim has been left in constant pain, with severe cognitive damage, and will require lifelong care.
“Brutal, Callous, and Devastating”
The presiding judge described the attack as “brutal, callous, and devastating” in its intent and impact.
“This was a sustained and ferocious act of violence, driven by personal animosity, and executed without mercy,” the court heard.
“You [Hassan] left your victim in the road to die.”
Lifelong Injuries
The court heard that the victim, whose identity has been withheld for privacy, now suffers from:
- Severe brain injuries
- Permanent disability and mobility issues
- Chronic pain and memory loss
- Emotional and psychological trauma
A victim impact statement, read in court, revealed the family’s anguish:
“This attack has not only destroyed his life, but shattered our family’s future.”
Hassan Denied Attempted Murder
Hassan, who had previously been friends with the victim, denied attempted murder, claiming he did not intend to kill. However, the jury unanimously convicted him after reviewing the extent and brutality of the attack, including forensic evidence and CCTV footage.
Justice Delivered
Following his 28-year prison sentence, Hassan will also serve an additional extended licence period upon release, to protect the public.
Derbyshire Police welcomed the sentence as a strong message against extreme violence.
“This was one of the most violent assaults we’ve encountered in recent years,” a spokesperson said. “Our thoughts remain with the victim and his family, who have shown immense courage throughout this process.”
