Hartlepool shotgun murder house was 'perfect location for cannabis farm' jury told

Faisal Azam admitted giving a copy of the key to 25 Charterhouse Street to a man who said he wanted somewhere to stay for two or three days shortly before Hamawand Ali Hussain was shot dead there on September 14, 2019.

Four men on trial for the murder at Teesside Crown Court are Noza Saffari, 39, of Park Lane, Middlesbrough, Anxhelo Xhaferi, 24, of Acton Street, Middlesbrough; Dorian Pirija, 33, of Trillo Avenue, Bolton; and Qazim Marku, 24, of Maxwell Road, West Drayton, London.

Mr Azam said he gave the key to another man after he had been asked by the owner of 25 Charterhouse Street to help find a buyer or tenant.

Barrister Nicholas Corsellis QC, defending Marku, told the jury on Tuesday, January 26, there was a ‘background’ to the case of cannabis farms.

The prosecution claim Mr Hussain, said to have been involved in setting up cannabis farms in Hartlepool, was lured to the address by the defendants to kill him.

Mr Corsellis said there was no suggestion that Mr Azam was involved in the murder or knew anyone was going to be harmed.

But he said: “However, the reality of the situation is that we suggest 25 Charterhouse Street was the perfect location for a cannabis farm.”

Mr Azam, who said he maintained and managed properties belonging to his parents, said he preferred not to answer the question.

He said he was outraged at any suggestion he was involved in cannabis dealing.

The trial continues.

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