Abdul Ahsan shot Andre Marshall multiple times in a car park near St Clement’s Church before hitting him with the weapon.
Ahsan, who was 18 at the time and is now 28, fled to Pakistan while on bail but was extradited back to the UK this year after lengthy legal proceedings before the trial concluded on Wednesday (October 23).
Patricia Ali, Mr Marshall’s mother, talked about the impact on the family, including an eight-year-old son who was not yet born when Mr Marshall passed away, before the sentencing at Manchester Crown Court.
Abdul Ahsan (Image: GMP) Ms Ali stated: “Andre was cherished by his family and he cherished his family.
“He was affectionate and a pleasant, lovable young man with aspirations.”
She continued: “Losing a child is heartbreaking, but losing an only child in these circumstances is doubly devastating.
“I never lost hope, and the police never gave up hope. I commend them for their perseverance.”
Andre Marshall (Image: GMP) Prosecutor Andrew Thomas KC mentioned that Ahsan was not less mature than the average 18-year-old, but in mitigation, Gillian Jones KC argued that Ahsan lacked maturity and was under influence at the time.
Ahsan, formerly of Upper Chorlton Road, Old Trafford, was given a life sentence with a minimum of 28 years, minus the 1,140 days spent in custody in Pakistan and the UK.
Mr Justice Robert Jay stated: “This was a cruel murder in the context of drug dealing and gang conflicts.”
Mr Justice Jay added: “You were associated with Andre Marshall, who was a member of the Gooch Gang, although there is no evidence that you were also a member of the gang. The reason why someone wanted Andre Marshall eliminated remains unclear.”
(Image: Newsquest) In 2016, a year after Mr Marshall’s death, Danial Shahid, formerly of Carlton Street, Old Trafford, was sentenced to four years for aiding an offender.
Kadell Rivers, formerly of Skelton Road, Stretford, was sentenced to three and a half years for aiding an offender and possession of an offensive weapon.
This article was authored by Jack Tooth. To get in touch with him, email [email protected] or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.