Elland murder: Man tells of fatal fight

Apr 28 2009 by Claire Hayes, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE brother of a man who was fatally stabbed in an Elland street has denied using a knife himself during the violent disturbance.

Yusuf Khan, whose 33-year-old brother Billy died last August, was yesterday cross-examined by the barrister representing Mohammed Farooq, who is on trial for murder alongside his son and brother.

The jury at Bradford Crown Court has heard how the violence in Langdale Street followed the eviction of Billy Khan from his flat in nearby Charles Street the day before.

The prosecution allege that there was ill-feeling between the Farooq family, who lived at Langdale Street, and Billy Khan because of previous anti-social behaviour in the area.

Billy Khan had spent a night in custody following his arrest for kicking in the door of his flat and the jury heard last week that he was upset and agitated when he arrived at his mother’s house the next day.

Michael Harrison QC, for Mohammed Farooq, suggested that Mr Khan and his brother had been “taunting” members of the family when they went back to the Langdale Street area that afternoon.

“You were provocative by being abusive and offensive in what you said,” said Mr Harrison.

“No your honour,” replied Mr Khan.

Mr Harrison suggested that after his client and the Khan brothers had been grappling they ended up against a wall where the brothers put him in a headlock.

Mr Khan rejected that suggestion and said he was not aware of any forensic evidence which indicated that Mohammed Farooq’s blood was on his boots.

“The jury will be told that you had Mr Farooq’s blood on your boots. How did it get there?” asked Mr Harrison.

“I have no idea,” replied Mr Khan.