Abdullah Hassan was murdered in April 2023

A post-mortem confirmed that Abdullah had died of a single gunshot wound to his thigh(Image: South Yorkshire Police )

A gang responsible for the “deadly and inhumane” death of Sheffield man Abdullah Hassan have been sentenced after he died from a “gunshot to the thigh” in 2023.

On April 9, 2023, police and paramedics rushed to flats on Callow Drive after residents called for help and attempted to save 25-year-old Abdullah’s life. Abdullah was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, and a post-mortem confirmed that he died of a single gunshot wound to his thigh.

Following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court, the judge heard how the “inhumane” actions of the gang had been due to a “drugs dispute” – which then escalated – leading to Abdullah’s death.

As a result, Osai Williams, 29, of East Glade Avenue, Demi Dunford, 29, and Alex Taff, 31, both of Derby Street, and Andrew Horton, 46, of Smelterwood Crescent, received life sentences with minimum prison terms of between 27 and 32 years.

During South Yorkshire Police’s investigation it “became clear” that a warfare about drugs supply in the city had escalated between Dunford and Abdullah, and with Dunford clear on proving her status, she orchestrated a plan with Taff, Horton and Williams to lure Abdullah out of his property to be shot.

Andrew Horton (left) Alex Taff (right)(Image: South Yorkshire Police )

Following the shooting, the gang fled the scene and in the following days, attempted to cover up their work and evidence, travelling to different areas and cleaning vehicles involved, with Horton’s sister – Emma Horton – becoming involved.

Senior Investigating Officer in the case, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said: “This sentencing brings closure to our investigation and process to achieve justice for Abdullah, and our thoughts remain with all those who loved and cared for him.

“Drugs play a significant role in serious and organised crime, setting off a chain of dangerous, deadly and inhumane behaviour. They have no place in our communities, and the sentencing of those responsible for Abdullah’s death delivers a clear warning to anyone engaged in this type of offending.

Osai Williams (left) Demi Dunford (right)(Image: South Yorkshire Police )

Following the sentencing, decades worth of prison sentences were handed to the gang.

  • Osai Williams, 29, of East Glade Avenue, Sheffield, was found guilty of murder, grievous bodily harm, two counts of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, possession of controlled dugs and possession of an offensive weapon. He was sentenced to 32 years.
  • Demi Dunford, 29, of Derby Street, Sheffield, was found guilty of murder, two counts of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, possession of controlled drugs and possession of a prohibited weapon . She was sentenced to 31 years.
  • Andrew Horton, 47, of Smelter Wood Crescent, Sheffield, was found guilty of murder, two counts of robbery, theft from person, fraud and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. He was sentenced to 28 years.
  • Alex Taff, 31, of Derby Street, Sheffield, was found guilty of murder. He was sentenced to 27 years
  • Emma Horton, 38, of Smelter Wood Crescent, Sheffield, was found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. She received a sentence of 12 months suspended for two years.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said: “I reiterate my thanks to everyone who contributed to us taking these dangerous offenders off the streets and away from our communities, from my teams of detectives, officers on the frontline, staff behind the scenes and you, the public.

“We cannot solve crimes alone, we need your intelligence and information and I am grateful for your support.”

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