Rochdale Man Convicted of Manslaughter in Fatal New Year's Stabbing

Rochdale — A man who fatally knifed another man during a street fight following a New Year's party has been cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter.

Hassan Suliman, 31, was convicted by a jury at Manchester Crown Court for the killing of 38-year-old Alberto Ursu in the early hours of New Year's Day. He now faces a lengthy prison sentence.

His ex-partner, 31-year-old Karla Pukutova, was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice after she hid knives and lied to police to protect Suliman. She was warned that she too could be jailed when the pair are sentenced in November.

The court heard that the tragic events unfolded after a boozy family party at Pukutova’s home on Essex Street in Rochdale. The gathering, attended by Mr. Ursu, who was in a relationship with Pukutova’s sister, turned violent shortly after midnight when Suliman became, “out of control”.

Prosecutors detailed how Suliman left the house and attacked a random member of the public who was walking past. When family members, including Mr. Ursu, went outside to calm him down, Suliman became aggressive towards them. During the melee, he shoved and then kicked Pukutova’s mother, known as ‘Grandma’, causing her to fall. Mr. Ursu confronted Suliman for the assault, leading to a physical fight.

Police were called and dispersed the party, ordering anyone who did not live at the address to leave. Mr. Ursu returned to his own home on nearby Sussex Street.

However, the violence was not over. Around two hours later, Suliman and Pukutova went to Mr. Ursu’s home, claiming they were looking for Suliman’s lost phone. An argument erupted, and the confrontation spilled back onto Essex Street.

There, Suliman and Mr. Ursu became embroiled in a final, fatal fight. While on the ground, Suliman stabbed Mr. Ursu in the chest, delivering a wound that pierced his heart. Mr. Ursu managed to walk a short distance before collapsing. He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead just after 4 AM

Suliman was found nearby on Milkstone Road with a stab wound to his back. When arrested in hospital on suspicion of murder, he claimed he had acted in self-defence.

Following the stabbing, Pukutova took three knives and hid them behind a radiator in her home. When questioned by police, she lied about what had happened, claiming she was single and that a man named ‘Hamza’ had been fighting with Mr. Ursu, in an attempt to protect the father of her children.

At trial, Suliman maintained he was defending himself, alleging Mr. Ursu was armed with a knife. The jury acquitted him of murder and several weapons-related charges but found him guilty of manslaughter. He had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of affray for the earlier attacks.

Following the verdict, Detective Inspector Paul Davies of Greater Manchester Police described the killing as a, “tragic and senseless loss of life”.

“This was a tragic and senseless loss of life during what was supposed to be a New Year’s celebration”, he said. “Our investigation uncovered a chaotic and violent scene, but through forensic evidence, CCTV, and witness accounts, we were able to piece together the events and bring those responsible to justice. This case outlines the devastation of knife crime. One man has lost his life and another now faces a lengthy sentence. We hope this outcome brings some measure of closure to Alberto’s family”.