Rival families clash at court ahead of Yasir Hussain murder sentencing
Rival families clashed outside a courtroom today as they awaited the sentencing of one of their number for murder.
Nabeel Choudhary, aged 21, from West Bromwich, was part of a group who launched a brutal attack Yassir Hussain.
The 34-year-old victim, from Burnley, was stabbed to death outside the Golden City takeaway in Lower Gornal, Dudley, on December 4 last year.
Choudhary was today jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum term of 26 years and 37 days.
Ahead of the sentencing around 60 people, mainly young men, threw punches and drinks, spat, and yelled threats at each other, outside the courtroom.
One of the warring family members was heard to shout "forget about the sentencing, let's fight".
Choudhary was convicted unanimously by a jury on Wednesday and the case was postponed for today's hearing.
Co-accused Akarsh Tasleem, 24, was acquitted of murder.
Mr Justice Nicol had just adjourned proceedings in court five at Birmingham Crown Court after hearing mitigation from prosecution and defence counsels.
Tensions boiled over as the two parties milled together outside the courtroom.
The Hussain family were escorted out of the building by police while order was restored.
Around five detectives and 12 officers were joined by court security staff to break up the trouble.
Sentencing was adjourned until 2pm.
Tension between the families had been central to the led up to Mr Hussain's murder.
More coverage of the trial:
Throughout last year there had been escalating levels of violence between the two sides, leaving the intended target of the stabbing, Mr Hussain's cousin, Morrad Hussain, to fear for his life.
It was Mr Hussain's tragedy to be with his cousin when the armed gang struck.
He was visiting family in Dudley at the time and had played no part in the clashes that led up to the fatal attack.
