Demi Dunford, Alex Taff, Andrew Horton, and Osai Williams have all been found guilty of murder
Abdullah Hassan sadly died at age 25 after being shot in Callow Drive, Gleadless Valley, Sheffield on Easter Sunday 2023(Image: South Yorkshire Police)
Four people have been found guilty of murder after Abdullah Hassan was shot dead in Sheffield.
On April 9, 2023, South Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service rushed to Callow Drive in Sheffield after Abdullah Hassan was shot. They attempted to save the 26-year-old’s life, but he sadly died at the scene. A post-mortem examination found Abdullah had died as a result of a single gun shot to his thigh.
The police worked to gather evidence, including CCTV footage, forensics, mobile phone data, and ballistics reports, which confirmed Demi Dunford had been engaged in a dispute with Abdullah for weeks. This followed the emergence of drug supply and dealings.
Dunford was keen to prove her status, and so orchestrated a plan with Alex Taff, Andrew Horton, and Osai Williams to shoot Abdullah. On April 8, the gang gathered on Callow Drive and called Abdullah to lure him from his property. As he left through the fire exit, he was shot in the upper thigh.
Dunford and Williams left Sheffield to go to London, and then Southend-on-Sea. When Dunford returned to Sheffield, she was arrested.
Left to right, top to bottom is Demi Dunford, Alex Taff, Osai Williams and Andrew Horton.(Image: South Yorkshire Police)
Two days after the murder, Horton, alongside his sister Emma Horton, took the car which had been used to drive Dunford and Williams away from the scene to a car was in the Attercliffe area to get it valeted in an attempt to clean away forensic evidence. This was discovered after recovering their mobile phone, and Horton was charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
At Sheffield Crown Court, after a six week trial, on December 16, a jury found:
- Demi Dunford, 29, of Derby Street, Sheffield, guilty of murder and two counts of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.
- Alex Taff, 31, of Springfields, Rotherham, guilty of murder.
- Andrew Horton, 48, of HMP Doncaster, guilty of murder and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
- Osai Williams, 29, of HMP Lowdham Grange, guilty of murder.
- Emma Horton, 38, of Blackstock Road, Sheffield, guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Senior Investigating Officer in the case, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, said: “After a lengthy investigation, justice has been secured for Abdullah, and our thoughts remain with all who loved him.
“Gun crime and drugs are inseparably linked, with disputes over supply, territory, and profit often spiralling into violence, and in this case, murder.
Emma Horton(Image: South Yorkshire Police)
“This dangerous connection does not only affect those directly involved; it creates volatile situations where innocent people can tragically be caught in the crossfire. That is why we are determined to remove these dangerous offenders from our communities.
“The ripple effect of drugs and firearms spreads fear, destabilises neighbourhoods, and underlines the urgent need for communities to support our efforts.
“Together, we can ensure that offenders like Dunford, Taff, Horton, and Williams remain behind bars. Yesterday’s verdict brings closure to a lengthy and complex investigation, and I extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed, including members of the public and my team of officers who worked tirelessly to achieve justice for Abdullah and his family.”
Dunford, Taff, Horton, and Williams will appear before Sheffield Crown Court again on January 16 for sentencing.
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