Thug With a “Murder Kit” Tried to Kill His Wife in a “Brutal and Ferocious Attack”

Rochdale, Greater Manchester – A man who brought a ‘murder kit’ to his former family home and launched a 'brutal and ferocious' attempt to kill his estranged wife has been jailed for more than 27 years.

Muhammad Khan, 53, was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court for the premeditated and sustained attack, which left his victim with 15 stab wounds and other serious injuries. The violence only ceased when the woman’s family arrived and her brother intervened.

The court heard that Khan had arranged to visit the Rochdale home he previously shared with his estranged partner to collect his belongings. Shortly after arriving, he lunged at the woman, punching her before slashing at her neck with a Stanley knife.

Prosecutor Chloe Fordham detailed the horrific escalation of the assault. Khan proceeded to strangle the woman, stab her multiple times, hit her with a hammer, and throttle her with an exercise resistance band. He also took her phone and smartwatch and attempted to suffocate her by putting his hand over her nose and mouth.

The attack was brought to a halt when the victim’s worried family arrived at the house. Her brother burst in and was forced to kick Khan until he stopped.

As the woman was helped inside, bleeding profusely, a smirking Khan followed them. The victim's loved ones attempted to lock him in the garage, but he managed to break free. He was later seen by passers-by dumping a plastic bag.

This bag was found to contain a Stanley knife, spare blades, bleach, and white spirit – items the judge later acknowledged as evidence of the attack's premeditation.

Ms. Fordham told the court the victim was left with multiple injuries, including deep stab wounds to her neck, the back of her hand, and her abdomen.

Upon his arrest, Khan showed a chilling detachment, asking officers, "what's the sentence for murder?" and "how long will I be put in prison for?"

Judge Bernadette Baxter, deeming Khan a dangerous offender, described the attack as, "brutal and premeditated".

Khan, of Bernard Street, Rochdale, was jailed for 27-and-a-half years for attempted murder. He was ordered to serve an extra five years on licence upon his release and was made the subject of a restraining order for life, prohibiting any future contact with his victim.