Smirking killers launch fatal attack in just 37 seconds
Two prisoners have been sentenced after a chilling and fatal assault on a fellow inmate inside HMP Fosse Way in Leicestershire. CCTV footage captured the moment 19-year-old Ashirie Smith and 21-year-old Thierry Robinson entered Mahir Abdulrahman’s cell, smiling, before launching a violent attack that lasted just 37 seconds.
Smith, who was serving time for firearms offences, was found guilty of murder and handed a life sentence with a minimum of 17-and-a-half years. Robinson was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 11 years. A third man, Shaan Karim, 38, was found not guilty of both charges.
Prisoner stomped and battered inside his cell
On the morning of August 20 last year, the pair were seen entering Abdulrahman’s cell shortly after a prison officer had failed to lock it. The court heard that Smith stomped on the victim’s head and neck with such force that Abdulrahman, 31, was found unresponsive by staff and later declared dead at the scene.
His cause of death was recorded as a subarachnoid basal haemorrhage—bleeding to the base of the brain. The victim had been serving a 35-week sentence for a sexual offence.
Weeks of torment preceded the attack
Jurors were told the attack followed weeks of taunting and bullying. Abdulrahman had been “terrorised” by other inmates and, the day before he died, asked to be moved because he felt unsafe. At one point, he had thrown a kettle of hot water at his tormentors. The following morning, Smith and Robinson stormed into his cell and beat him to death.
Karim was heard telling his mother in a prison phone call that he “could have done something” to stop it, but chose not to. Despite this, he was not convicted.
Security questions after door left open
Prison authorities are facing questions after it emerged a prison officer had opened Smith and Robinson’s cell door but failed to lock it before continuing rounds. Smith left the cell briefly after the attack, only to return moments later, suggesting the incident may have been premeditated.
“Heinous act” shocks prison staff
Detective Inspector Mark Parish said the injuries showed a “serious, sustained attack” that ultimately proved fatal. Serco Prison Director Wyn Jones described the murder as a “heinous act”, adding: “My thoughts remain with Mr Abdulrahman’s family. I hope these verdicts bring some closure.”
Authorities have confirmed that internal procedures are being reviewed in the wake of the killing.
