In a chilling case that has gripped the nation, Habibur Masum, 26, has been convicted of the murder of his wife, Kulsuma Akter, after a brutal attack in Bradford, West Yorkshire. The incident, which occurred in April 2024, saw Masum track down Akter to a women's refuge and stab her over 25 times in broad daylight as she pushed their seven-month-old son in a pram.

A Calculated Attack

The Bradford Crown Court heard that Masum, described as "violent, jealous, and controlling," had a history of domestic violence against Akter. Despite being under strict bail conditions to stay away from her, he used technology to locate her and confronted her on the street. Prosecutors detailed how Masum attempted to manipulate Akter into leaving the refuge by sending fake messages from a local GP practice.

The "Smiling Killer"

CCTV footage captured the harrowing moments leading up to the attack, showing Masum attempting to steer Akter away with him. When she resisted, he launched a "ferocious" assault, leaving her bleeding to death on the street. Witnesses described Masum as calm and composed, even smiling as he boarded a bus to flee the scene. This demeanor earned him the moniker "smiling killer" during the trial.

Nationwide Manhunt and Arrest

Following the attack, a nationwide manhunt ensued. Masum was apprehended three days later in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, 150 miles from the crime scene. He was found in a car park near Stoke Mandeville Hospital, where he sought treatment for "lockjaw."

Justice Served

Despite Masum's claims of intending self-harm and not remembering the attack, the jury found him guilty of murder, along with charges of assault, making threats to kill, and stalking. The court was told that Akter had confided in a social worker, fearing her husband would one day kill her. Masum is scheduled for sentencing on July 22.