The face of Hartlepool killer Callum Howe after he is convicted of death of flat mate Shaan Ali Rasul
Police have described the killing of a young man by his flat mate and former school pal as a “tragic and senseless incident”.
Callum Howe attacked Mohammed Shaan Ali Rasul, 23, with a hatchet during a violent confrontation in Howe’s flat on the morning of Sunday, November 23, last year.
Twenty-three-year-old Mr Rasul, known as Shaan, died as a result of head and facial injuries following the incident in Hartlepool’s Allerton Close, a two-week trial at Teesside Crown Court heard.
Howe, who claimed he acted in self defence, was cleared by a jury of murder but convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter.
He has been remanded in custody and will return to court to be sentenced on July 23.
Detective Superintendent Chris Motson, who led the Cleveland Police investigation, said after the verdict: “Our thoughts remain firmly with Shaan’s family and loved ones, who have endured unimaginable pain and loss throughout this investigation and subsequent trial.
“This was a tragic and senseless incident which resulted in a young man losing his life.
“I would like to commend Shaan’s family and friends for the dignity and strength that they have shown throughout what has been an extremely difficult period.
“I would also like to thank the officers, staff and partner agencies involved in the investigation along with members of the public who came forward with information that assisted our enquiries.
“Today’s verdict cannot undo the devastating impact of Shaan’s death on his family and friends and it remains an extremely difficult and painful time for them.”
The trial had heard how Mr Rasul, who had recently moved into Howe’s flat, suffered 12 separate injuries, most of which were to his face and head.
Some were caused by a hatchet belonging to Howe that he said was an item of “memorabilia” left to him by his grandmother.
Giving evidence, Howe, who is also 23 and now of Blakelock Gardens, said he and Mr Rasul had got into a violent struggle when he tried to keep Mr Rasul’s large Japanese Akita dog, which he was wary of, out of the bedroom.
Howe and Mr Rasul had taken drugs, including cocaine, and not slept, the trial heard.