Habibur Masum faces trial next week after prosecution REJECTS manslaughter plea over daylight killing of mother Kulsuma Akter on busy shopping street
Habibur Masum, 26, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Kulsuma Akter and admitted possessing the knife used in the fatal attack on April 6 last year.
But in extraordinary scenes at Bradford Crown Court, prosecutors immediately REJECTED his plea – insisting they will pursue a full murder trial starting Monday.
The victim, a young mother from Oldham, was stabbed multiple times in broad daylight on the busy Westgate shopping street as horrified witnesses looked on.
THE SHOCKING ATTACK
The court heard how Ms Akter was walking with her five-month-old son in his pram when she was attacked at 3:20pm on a Saturday afternoon.
Despite desperate efforts by paramedics and air ambulance crews, the 27-year-old died from multiple stab wounds at hospital.
Miraculously, her baby boy was completely unharmed in the attack that sent shockwaves through the community.
Witnesses described seeing the young mother collapse on the pavement as shoppers rushed to help.
DEFENDANT’S YOUTUBE LIFE
Masum, originally from Bangladesh, had built a small following on YouTube with 77 subscribers, posting videos about:
- Travel adventures from Manchester to Barcelona
- Shopping trips to Primark
- Cooking tutorials in Bengali
- His life as an international student
His LinkedIn profile showed he was studying for a master’s degree in digital marketing at the University of Bedfordshire, describing himself as an “adventure lover” who warned “toxic people to stay away.”
His most recent video was posted just two weeks before the killing.
THE DRAMATIC MANHUNT
After the stabbing, Masum sparked a major police manhunt:
- Last seen boarding a bus on Market Street at 3:30pm
- Got off on Killinghall Road 10 minutes later
- Vanished for THREE DAYS
- Finally arrested 170 miles away in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
During those 72 hours, detectives:
- Released CCTV images nationwide
- Raided properties in Oldham, Burnley and Chester
- Arrested multiple people for assisting an offender
- Warned the public not to approach him
COURT BOMBSHELL
In today’s hearing, lasting just minutes:
- Masum spoke through a Bengali interpreter
- Pleaded GUILTY to manslaughter
- Admitted possessing a bladed article
- But firmly DENIED murder
Mr Justice Cotter remanded him in custody, warning: “The prosecution do not accept your plea. You will stand trial on Monday.”
The packed public gallery heard gasps as the plea was entered.
PREVIOUS VIOLENCE REVEALED
Shockingly, the court has previously heard Masum faces additional charges relating to alleged attacks on Ms Akter BEFORE the killing:
- TWO counts of assault (November 23 and 24, 2023)
- Making threats to kill
- Stalking charge
- All allegedly against the same victim
He has denied all these charges, which will be dealt with alongside the murder trial.
Court documents show he was on BAIL for the earlier alleged offences at the time of the killing.
THE VICTIM’S FINAL MOMENTS
The attack happened at the junction of Westgate and Drewton Road, in the heart of Bradford’s shopping district.
Local curate Duncan Milwain said: “This has left our community in complete shock. A young mother, out shopping with her baby on a Saturday afternoon – it’s beyond comprehension.
Labour MP Naz Shah was photographed laying flowers at the scene, saying: “This tragedy has broken hearts across Bradford.”
THE LEGAL BATTLE AHEAD
The trial, starting Monday at Bradford Crown Court, is expected to last THREE WEEKS.
Key questions for the jury:
- Was this murder or manslaughter?
- What was Masum’s state of mind?
- Why did prosecutors reject the manslaughter plea?
- What evidence supports the murder charge?
The difference is crucial:
- MURDER: Mandatory life sentence, minimum 15-25 years
- MANSLAUGHTER: Judge has discretion, potentially much less
REFERRALS TO WATCHDOG
Both West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over their previous contact with both Masum and Ms Akter.
This suggests there may have been earlier reports or incidents involving the couple that are now under investigation.
COMMUNITY IN MOURNING
The Bradford community remains deeply affected by the tragedy:
- Flowers still laid at the scene
- Local shops displayed tributes
- Vigils held for the young mother
- Calls for action on domestic violence
One local resident said: “We see that poor baby being pushed past here every day now by family members. It breaks your heart.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Monday, June 9: Murder trial begins Duration: Expected to last 3 weeks Key witness: Multiple eyewitnesses to the attack Verdict options: Murder, manslaughter, or acquittal
THE KEY FACTS
VICTIM: Kulsuma Akter, 27, from Oldham DEFENDANT: Habibur Masum, 26, from Burnley DATE: April 6, 2024, at 3:20pm LOCATION: Westgate, Bradford city centre WEAPON: Knife (recovered at scene) PLEA: Guilty to manslaughter, not guilty to murder
1 comment
Masum spoke through a Bengali interpreter … ??? He is living here, using our services, having his legal fees paid & he cannot speak English ??? He is here as a student …
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