Four jailed for their roles in Sheffield drugs dispute murder
They've been sentenced for orchestrating the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Abdullah Hassan
Four people have been jailed for their roles in the murder of a 25-year-old man in Sheffield in the midst of a drug dispute.
Abdullah Hassan was shot dead on April 9 2023. Emergency services rushed to flats on Callow Drive after reports of a shooting, but Abdullah was pronounced dead at the scene from a single gunshot wound to his thigh.
Detectives uncovered that the murder was orchestrated by Demi Dunford, who planned the attack with Alex Taff, Andrew Horton, and Osai Williams to lure Abdullah out of his property to be killed.
Following the shooting, the group tried to cover their tracks by cleaning vehicles and travelling to different locations to hide evidence. Horton’s sister, Emma Horton, was also involved in attempting to conceal their actions.
Osai Williams, 29, of East Glade Avenue, Sheffield, received 32 years for murder, grievous bodily harm, drug offences, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Demi Dunford, 29, of Derby Street, Sheffield, was sentenced to 31 years for murder, drug offences, and possession of a prohibited weapon.
Andrew Horton, 47, of Smelter Wood Crescent, Sheffield, was jailed for 28 years for murder, robbery, theft, fraud, and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Alex Taff, 31, of Derby Street, Sheffield, received 27 years for murder.
Emma Horton, 38, of Smelter Wood Crescent, Sheffield, was given a suspended sentence of 12 months for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, of South Yorkshire Police said:
“This sentencing brings closure to our investigation and process to achieve justice for Abdullah, and our thoughts remain with all those who loved and cared for him"
“Drugs play a significant role in serious and organised crime, setting off a chain of dangerous, deadly, and inhumane behaviour.
"They have no place in our communities, and the sentencing of those responsible for Abdullah’s death delivers a clear warning to anyone engaged in this type of offending.
“I reiterate my thanks to everyone who contributed to us taking these dangerous offenders off the streets and away from our communities, from my teams of detectives, officers on the frontline, staff behind the scenes and you, the public.
"We cannot solve crimes alone; we need your intelligence and information, and I am grateful for your support.”