Elland family of three face Billy Khan murder jury

Apr 22 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THREE members of a West Yorkshire family have gone on trial accused of murdering an Elland man last summer and attempting to murder his brother.

Billy Khan, 34, suffered a fatal stab wound to the stomach during a violent confrontation in the Poplar Court area of Elland last August.

His 29-year-old brother Yusuf also suffered serious internal injuries during the incident, but a jury at Bradford Crown Court was told yesterday that medical intervention had saved his life.

Prosecutor Tom Bayliss QC alleged that the violence was sparked by the “'antagonistic and disrespectful behaviour”' of the brothers towards Kayshan Farooq’s 51-year-old father Mohammed.

The court heard that the day before Mr Khan’s death he had been evicted from his flat in Charles Street, Elland, but he returned later to collect his belongings and became involved in an argument with Mohammed Farooq.

Mr Bayliss told the jury that Billy Khan had previously been involved in anti-social behaviour such as congregating with others outside the Farooqs’ home in Langdale Street, causing trouble and drinking.

He alleged that the Farooqs harboured considerable enmity towards Billy Khan and an argument developed when he tried to kick down the locked door to his flat.

Police officers arrested Billy Khan on suspicion of causing criminal damage to the door, but he was released the next day without charge and three hours later he was pronounced dead in hospital after being fatally stabbed.

During his arrest Billy Khan had struggled with the officers and Kayshan Farooq accused him of disrespecting his father.