Drug Dealer's Desperate Search for 'Evidence Disappearing' Prayer Revealed in Court
A drug dealer accused of murdering a customer conducted an online search for a 'prayer to make evidence disappear' in the aftermath of the fatal incident, a court has been told. The shocking detail emerged during testimony at Birmingham Crown Court, shedding light on the defendant's state of mind following the violent altercation.
Fatal Confrontation on Springfield Road
Craig Dean, aged 53 and known locally as 'Yankee', suffered fatal injuries outside his home on Springfield Road in Kings Heath on July 7 last year. The 53-year-old was attacked and subsequently died in hospital two days later, leaving the community in shock. The incident has been described as stemming from a dispute over drug dealing territory, with both defendants allegedly involved in the 'Ace line' operation.
Defendant's Testimony Reveals Panic and Regret
Hamza Khan, 23, took the stand on Tuesday, June 20, where he admitted throwing two punches at Mr Dean but claimed his co-defendant Mohammed Rahman, 25, delivered the fatal kick to the victim's head. Khan described feeling 'severe panic' upon learning of Mr Dean's death and confessed to continuing drug dealing activities immediately after the incident.
The court heard how Khan retreated to The Cowshed holiday cottage in Worcestershire to 'lie low' and gather courage to surrender to authorities. Despite his claimed intentions, he did not voluntarily turn himself in and was eventually arrested by police at the location on July 16.
Revealing Phone Searches Under Scrutiny
During cross-examination by his barrister Tyrone Smith KC, Khan's phone search history became a focal point of the proceedings. The searches included:
- 'Kings Heath News'
- 'Murder probe meaning'
- 'Dua (prayer) to make evidence disappear'
- 'Manslaughter sentence UK'
- 'Gross negligence sentence UK'
When questioned about the prayer search, Khan explained: "Because I knew my phone had contact with Craig Dean on." He maintained that he never intended to cause serious harm, stating: "I don't believe I used any sort of violence that was intended to be used. I was in severe panic at the time."
Sequence of Events Leading to Tragedy
Khan provided a detailed account of the events leading to Mr Dean's death. He described acting as driver for Rahman, who was managing the Ace line phone and conducting drug deals. According to his testimony, an argument erupted between Rahman and Mr Dean after the victim was told 'we are not going to serve you'.
The confrontation escalated when they encountered Mr Dean on Springfield Road. Khan recalled Rahman 'jumping' from the car and engaging in a 'verbal argument' with Mr Dean in the middle of the road. The situation deteriorated when Mr Dean opened his door and reached inside, prompting Rahman to throw the first punch.
"I have rushed over myself and punched him two times," Khan testified. "I tried to stop the altercation, it wasn't going to happen. I had to throw the two punches. As I threw the two punches Rahman knocked him down to the floor. As he knocked him down to the floor he kicked him in the head."
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Khan expressed remorse during his testimony, stating: "I'm disgusted with myself, I'm ashamed of what I done." He confirmed that after driving away from the scene, he resumed drug dealing activities, highlighting the grim reality of the situation.
Both Hamza Khan from Moseley and Mohammed Rahman from Hall Green have pleaded not guilty to murder and the alternative charge of manslaughter. The trial continues as the court examines the complex circumstances surrounding this tragic case that has left the Kings Heath community mourning the loss of Craig Dean.
