A MAN who stabbed his love rival to death with a 12-inch zombie knife has been jailed as the family of the victim paid moving tribute to their “ray of sunshine”.
Haseeb Majid, 22, knifed Mohammed Duraab Khan, 26, to death in a frenzied attack on the forecourt of a Texaco garage in Meadow Lane, Nottingham, on January 31.
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Haseeb, of Wilford Crescent in The Meadows, was found guilty of murder by a jury at Nottingham Crown Court earlier this month.
The 22-year-old was handed a life term yesterday and must serve a minimum of 26 years.
In a statement following sentencing, Mr Khan’s family said: “Duraab was a remarkable young man whose life, though tragically cut short, was filled with love, laughter, and an unyielding dedication to his family and friends.
“Duraab was the life of the party in every way. To his parents he was a ray of sunshine, their pride, and the life of them.
“Duraab’s sense of humour was unmatched. He was the funniest in the family, always finding a way to make others laugh, even in the darkest of times.
“He had a unique ability to see the bright side of life, and he used that gift to bring joy to everyone around him.
“To his younger siblings, his older brother, and his twin sister, he was more than just a brother he was their protector, their confidant, and their best friend.”
His family said he had “infectious energy” and a “mischievous spirit”.
They added: “His brutal murder has taken away a brother, a friend, a nephew, and a son from those who loved him unconditionally,” they added.
“As we remember Duraab, let us not dwell on the tragedy that took him from us, but rather remember the vibrant, loving, and mischievous spirit that he was.
“He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and an enduring reminder of the importance of family, friendship, and living life to the fullest.
“Mohammed Duraab Khan may be gone, but his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to truly know him.”
It came after Majid’s ex-girlfriend had sparked a relationship with Mr Khan in September last year which caused “bad-blood” between the two men, the court heard.
Jurors were shown CCTV footage where Majid spotted Mr Khan as a passenger in another car, did a U-turn, parked near the petrol station where the car was refuelling and attacked him.
Mr Khan was stabbed 16 times in 13 seconds with a knife believed to be 12 inches (30cm) long.
Majid, who lived nearby in Wilford Crescent in The Meadows, told the court he only planned to use the knife to “scare” Mr Khan.
But after the victim hit him on the wrist with a steering lock, Majid told the court “lost control” and began stabbing him.
Mr Khan died from his injuries a short time after paramedics arrived at the scene.
Police did not recover the weapon or balaclava when Majid was arrested.
Prosecution barrister Michael Burrows KC told the court that Majid had acted with “brutal, lethal force” and clearly didn’t want to just scare Mr Khan as he covered his face and kept the knife hidden until the last moment.
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