Two men have been convicted over the fatal stabbing of 38-year-old Jack Hague in Tower Hamlets last year.
Umair Rafiq, 36, of no fixed address, was found guilty of murder at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, April 10, while Mohammed Ikram Uddin, 24, also of no fixed address, was convicted of manslaughter.
During a trial that began on Monday, March 17, the jury heard that police were called at around 8.20pm on Sunday, May 5 2024, to reports of a fight on Corfield Street, E2. Prosecutors said an initial verbal exchange between the three men quickly escalated, resulting in Jack suffering multiple fatal stab wounds.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, Jack died at the scene.
A manhunt immediately began, with officers examining extensive CCTV footage to identify the attackers and trace their movements after fleeing. Uddin was arrested on Thursday, May 9 2024, and charged the following day. Rafiq was arrested on Sunday, May 12 2024, and also charged the next day.
Forensic tests linked Rafiq to a knife and a pair of glasses found discarded at the crime scene, providing crucial evidence placing him at the scene of the attack.
Jack’s mother, Lesley, paid tribute to her son, describing the devastating impact his death has had on her life.
She said: “Last year our lives changed forever. Ever since, I do not feel like I used to. I am not living, just existing, with no joy, life appears to be an act. I think I am truly only happy when my grandkids are around, they help me forget about things for a little while, and I enjoy them. Jack was my blue eyed boy and called me 'mummsy'. His loss has caused an emptiness and void nothing can fill. I feel like I am at the edge of it looking in but noting can fill it.
“I miss him so much. A mother should not have to bury her son. We are in mourning at the loss of my precious child but also because of the loss of so many hopes, dreams and expectations.
“Today’s result will not bring back my son but I hope that it will keep those responsible from committing such a monstrous crime again.”
Detective Sergeant Brian Jones, who led the investigation, said: “There is nothing that can be done to bring back Jack, but I hope today’s result brings some closure at this terrible time.
"By carrying and using a knife, Rafiq’s callous act demonstrates once again the devastating and far-reaching effects of knife crime.
“I therefore commend the officers who worked incredibly hard to build evidence against Rafiq and Uddin in order to prove that there could be no doubt as to their guilt. London will be a safer place with them taken off the streets".
Rafiq and Uddin will be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Friday, June 6.