Dealer who killed after early release is jailed again

Abul Kasim has been told be must spend at least 20 years in jail

A drug dealer who murdered a man within weeks of his early release has been told he must spend another 20 years behind bars.

Abul Kasim, 26, was handed a mandatory life sentence by a judge at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday, after a jury found him guilty of murdering 63-year-old Martin Sullivan.

Mrs Justice Dias said Kasim, of Perrysfield Road, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, must serve a minimum of 20 years before parole could be considered.

Det Insp Caeva Taylor, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit, said: "Kasim's utterly senseless and violent actions led to Martin losing his life, which has caused a huge amount of pain and suffering to Martin's family and friends."

She described Mr Sullivan as "a much-loved and recognisable figure in the community and could often be seen walking his dogs in the Bury Park area".

Martin Sullivan's daughter told a judge he was the "best dad I could ask for"

Barrister Jonathan Higgs KC, prosecuting, said Kasim had been handed a four-year, six-month sentence for drugs and weapons offences in November 2022 and was released early in October 2024.

He had been dealing drugs from Mr Sullivan's home, with Mr Sullivan's consent, the judge heard.

He stabbed Mr Sullivan, of Highbury Road, Luton, during a confrontation in January 2025.

Mrs Justice Dias said evidence showed that Mr Sullivan had become afraid of Kasim and armed himself with a knife.

"You took the knife off him then used it to stab him," the judge told Kasim. "In making off, you showed not a flicker of concern for your victim."

She said Kasim had "lost control" and stabbed Mr Sullivan nine times, with one wound about 17cm (6in) deep.

Mr Sullivan's daughter Tiffany told the judge in a victim impact statement that her father had been "the best dad I could ask for".

Kasim, who had admitted manslaughter but denied murder, was found guilty of murder in July after a trial.