Homicide detectives uncovered how the killer of 18-year-old Ghulam Sadiq used false ID to buy the fatal weapon online.
Emadh Miah, 18 (10.02.05) of Solihull Road, West Midlands was convicted of murder on Tuesday, 4 April after a trial at the Old Bailey.
Miah had previously pleaded guilty to possession of an article with a point or blade in a public place, he was only 17 when he carried out the crime.
Today at Lewes Crown Court he was sentenced to:
Count 1 – Murder. Life with a minimum term of 19 years.
Count 2 – Possession of a pointed/bladed article. 12 months detention to run concurrently.
DCI 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 showed this was not some random act of violence, but a planned and deliberate murder.
“The team worked quickly to identify and arrest Miah and uncovered the attempts he had made to obtain the knife he used in the attack. I have to ask why a weapon of this kind is being sold online: I can see absolutely no justification why any reasonable member of society would need, or want, to purchase these items.
“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”
His mother, Khalida Parveen said: “Ghulam was brutally murdered during broad daylight hours, near our family home. There are no words that can describe my loss and pain! That wretched day is unforgettable, I recall it as if it were yesterday – how can I ever overcome the void of losing my little baby!
“Ghulam was very popular, compassionate and great fun, he was always the centre of attention and was very much liked by family, friends, teachers and all that he was acquainted with. He had so much to offer and had a very kind and gentle heart. He was very well known for his cheeky looks, respect for elders, good mannerism and was known as a very chirpy and polite kid in our local area. We cherish every moment we spent with him; we have so many happy memories. Ghulam, your short life enriched the lives of so many people. You’ll never be forgotten. Loved forever. My darling son, may you now rest in peace inshallah.”
The court heard how Miah, who was only 17 at the time of the murder, had tried to use false ID to buy knives prior to the crime.
On Saturday, 23 July 2022 Miah attempted to buy a 15 inch Rambo-style knife from a website. He provided a false name and a fake driving licence, but the vendor realised the identity document was false and the order was rejected.
Undeterred, on Sunday, 24 July 2022 he placed an order with another website for two knives advertised as a ‘Fantasy Spartan Sword blackout version serrated-bade two piece set’.
Again, he provided a false name and a driving license. This time the order was accepted and the knives were shipped to the defendant’s address in Solihull. The knives could not be delivered and were left at the local post office.
There is no record to show that the knives were collected, but the knives that the defendant purchased bear a striking resemblance to the knife he used to stab Ghulam Sadiq.
Miah travelled from Birmingham to London on Thursday, 4 August 2022 and it is believed he was in possession of at least one of those knives.
It was on Saturday, 6 August 2022 that the fatal attack took place.
Miah had taken a train to Stratford where he hired a bike and then made his way to Leytonstone, where he was seen cycling around by a number of witnesses.
It was a sunny day, but Miah had pulled up the hood of his jacket, was wearing gloves and had his face concealed by a surgical mask.
Miah made his way to the street where 18-year-old Ghulam Sadiq lived and then waited.
When Mr Sadiq arrived, he was also on a bicycle, Miah took out a knife and Ghulam cycled off.
Miah continued to wait for Ghulam , this time with the knife in his hand, and when Ghulam returned a short while later Miah ran after him and stabbed him in the back.
Miah then went back to his bike and cycled off.
Ghulam managed to run to a restaurant in High Road, Leytonstone where he collapsed.
Police were called to the restaurant at 14:16hrs to reports of a young male who had been stabbed. When police arrived members of the public were giving first aid to Ghulam inside the restaurant.
Emergency services worked to try and save him, however at 14:39hours he was sadly pronounced dead.
The Special Post Mortem examination took place on Tuesday, 9 August 2022 at Haringey Mortuary.
The cause of death was sharp force trauma to the back, consistent with a bladed tool such as a knife. The wound was nearly 15cm in depth and had pierced Ghulam’s heart.
An immediate investigation was launched by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime.
Miah has taken steps to evade detection, he had turned off his phone prior to travelling to the scene and the clothing and knife were never recovered.
However, officers were able to trace his movements and they identified the hire bike that the attacker had used and found that Miah had paid for it with his own bank card.
The clothing Miah was wearing while traveling was also visually matched to the clothing he wore at the scene of the crime.
On Tuesday, 9 August 2022 police officers located Miah in Walsall and arrested him on suspicion of murder. He was interviewed but made no comment to all questions. He was subsequently charged with murder.
At court he admitted manslaughter but pleaded not guilty to murder.
However the jury found him guilty of murder.
Miah was also sentenced in relation to a separate incident that took place in 2021.
Count 3 – GBH with intent ( Concurrent sentence of 12 months detention to run concurrently.
Count 4 – Possession of offensive weapon (relates to count 3). 6 months detention to run concurrently.
