Man who stabbed wife in street guilty of murder

Habibur Masum has been found guilty of murdering his wife, Kulsuma Akter, after a brutal attack in Bradford city centre that occurred in April 2024. The incident took place in front of their infant son, who fortunately remained unharmed. Masum, 26, had been tracking Akter's whereabouts through her phone and confronted her outside a refuge where she had been staying since January. This refuge was a necessary escape for Akter, 27, following a history of domestic abuse, including a previous assault by Masum at their home in Oldham. During the trial at Bradford Crown Court, evidence revealed that Akter left the refuge believing Masum was in Spain, only to be ambushed by him. The attack was vicious, with Masum stabbing Akter more than 25 times, leading to her tragic death.

Initially, Masum pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a bladed article, but the jury ultimately convicted him of murder after hearing the harrowing details of the case. The court's proceedings highlighted the dangers faced by individuals in abusive relationships and underscored the tragic consequences that can arise from such circumstances. The case has drawn attention to the need for increased protections for victims of domestic violence and the importance of support systems like refuges. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence in situations of domestic abuse and the critical need for awareness and intervention to prevent further tragedies.