Two men convicted following fatal stabbing

Two men have been convicted of the fatal stabbing of 38-year-old Jack Hague in Tower Hamlets last year.

Umair Rafiq, 36 (21.12.88) of no fixed address was found guilty of murder at Inner London Crown on Thursday, 10 April.

Mohammed Ikram Uddin, 24 (27.08.99), of no fixed address was also found guilty of manslaughter at the same court on Thursday, 10 April.

In a trial which started on Monday, 17 March, the court heard that police were called at around 20:20hrs on Sunday, 5 May 2024 to reports of a fight on Corfield Street, E2. The jury were told that this followed an initial exchange of words between the three men which quickly escalated and led to Jack’s fatal stabbing.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Jack died at the scene as a result of multiple stab wounds across his body.

A manhunt began immediately, with officers painstakingly combing through hours of CCTV footage to understand what took place, identify the attackers and track their movements after they fled the scene. Uddin was arrested on Thursday, 9 May 2024 and charged the following day. Rafiq was arrested on Sunday, 12 May 2024 and charged the following day.

A knife and Rafiq’s glasses were both discarded at the scene and were sent for forensic testing. DNA found on the items provided a match to Rafiq – further proof that he had been at the scene.

Jack’s mother Lesley said:

“Last year our lives changed forever. Ever since, I do not feel like I used to. I am not living, just existing, with no joy, life appears to be an act. I think I am truly only happy when my grandkids are around, they help me forget about things for a little while, and I enjoy them. Jack was my blue eyed boy and called me “mummsy”. His loss has caused an emptiness and void nothing can fill. I feel like I am at the edge of it looking in but noting can fill it.

“I miss him so much. A mother should not have to bury her son. We are in mourning at the loss of my precious child but also because of the loss of so many hopes, dreams and expectations.

“Today’s result will not bring back my son but I hope that it will keep those responsible from committing such a monstrous crime again.”

Detective Sergeant Brian Jones who led the investigation said:

“There is nothing that can be done to bring back Jack, but I hope today’s result brings some closure at this terrible time.

"By carrying and using a knife, Rafiq’s callous act demonstrates once again the devastating and far-reaching effects of knife crime.

“I therefore commend the officers who worked incredibly hard to build evidence against Rafiq and Uddin in order to prove that there could be no doubt as to their guilt. London will be a safer place with them taken off the streets".

Umair Rafiq and Mohammed Uddin will be sentenced on Friday, 6 June at Inner London Crown Court.