Two men have been jailed for a combined total of more than 47 years following a violent stabbing in Cambridge during a dispute over drugs.
The attack happened just before midday, on 2 October last year, in Nicholson Way, when Shellem Miah and Maruf Riaz stabbed a 54-year-old man twice to the chest.
The pair fled the scene and got in a black Kia Sportage with fake plates before travelling to Newmarket.
Meanwhile, the victim called 999 saying he couldn’t breathe and was “going to die”. Members of the public rushed to his aid before paramedics arrived. He was taken to hospital and treated for a stab wound to the heart and sternum.
A blood-covered wooden cosh was found at the scene.
Detectives discovered Miah was running the ‘Biggie’ county line and had been exchanging messages with the victim prior to the stabbing. The last message from Miah read: “on my life keep talking **** come see me now” just minutes before the attack.
After the incident, Miah messaged a relative saying: “I’m confused what to do coz I don’t think they know lol”.
A few hours later at 5.45pm, he messaged acquaintances about needing a new number for the line and somewhere to stay.
The messages continued with: “Hella feds everywhere but I don’t think they think it’s me yet” and “Trust me when I say this one is unsolvable”.
The pair were arrested in a car park in Cambourne the following day by armed police.
Following a five-week trial at Cambridge Crown Court in the summer, Miah, 25, of Kingsway, Cambridge, was found guilty of section 18 grievous bodily harm, possession of a knife in a public place and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Riaz, 25, of no fixed address, was found guilty of section 18 grievous bodily harm, possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice.
They were both found not guilty of attempted murder.
At the same court on 22 December, Miah was jailed for 28 years and six months while Riaz received 19 years and six months.
Detective Constable Charlotte Anderson-Chapman, who investigated, said:
“This was a brutal and senseless attack over drugs that left a man fighting for his life. The level of violence used was shocking, and the sentences reflect the seriousness of their actions.
“Drug dealing brings fear and violence into our communities, and this case is a stark reminder of the harm it causes. We will continue to target those who exploit vulnerable people and spread misery through drugs.”
Video footage of their arrest can be viewed here:
https://youtu.be/02Lr6-_3oWs?si=u206DjeyhEAsWQ2i
