Two brothers sentenced for one-punch killing 35-year-old man

Ali Dahir punched Abdifatah Ali Wadad Abdillahi, in Towan Avenue, Fishermead, at about 12.40am on  July 11 last year.

According to accounts, Ali Dahir started a verbal argument with Abdifatah inside the flat, but during the evening they reconciled their differences.

Ali Dahir and Abdifatah left the flat together to go to the shops. Once outside, Ali Dahir delivered a heavy punch to Abdifatah, which landed on the right side of his upper neck.

This punch ruptured Abdifatah’s right intracranial artery, which would have caused his almost immediate collapse.

Abdifatah, who was aged 35 and from Milton Keynes, was treated at hospital, but sadly he was later pronounced dead.

Following a trial earlier this year, a jury found Ali Dahir guilty of one count of manslaughter.

Meanwhile, the jury found Ahmed Dahir guilty of one count of assisting an offender and one count of perverting the course of justice.

At a hearing at Luton Crown Court today (Tuesday, December 5, Ali Dahir, 35, of Linton Road, Barking, was sentenced to seven years and six months’ imprisonment.

Ali Dahir’s brother, Ahmed Dahir, 34, of Porthleven Place, Milton Keynes, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Underhill of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: “No sentence will bring back Abdifatah Ali Wadad Abdillahi, however Ali and Ahmed Dahir have now been convicted and sentenced in relation to Abdifatah’s death.

“Our thoughts remain with Abdifatah’s family and friends, who have shown such dignity throughout the investigation and trial.

“This case demonstrates the danger that one punch can do. Be in no doubt that one punch can kill someone, even if that is not your intention. Please think before you act.”

The victim Abdifatah Ali Wadad Abdullahi (Image: Family handout)

The family of Abdifatah Ali Wadad Abdullahi paid tribute to him after his death, describing him as a beloved son.

They said: “Abdifatah Ali Wadad Abdullahi was a beloved son, brother, husband, cousin, uncle and soon-to-be father, who was taken from this world in the prime of his life.

“We feel his loss profoundly and are mourning him in family homes across Somaliland, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Norway, Canada, Australia, the United States and here in the United Kingdom.

“We have been humbled to learn just how many lives Abdifatah touched with his simple kindness, ready smile and quick wit.

“Simple words do not suffice to describe him and what he meant to us collectively and individually, so we will say that he will be missed forever and remembered always."