Man jailed for life for 'Good Samaritan' murder

Hassan Jhangur was found guilty of murder by a majority verdict in July

A driver who murdered a father-of-two by running him over in a "senseless act of hot-headed violence" has been jailed for life.

Hassan Jhangur, 25, killed Chris Marriott, 46, when he deliberately rammed his car into a crowd of people during a brawl at his sister's wedding reception in Burngreave, Sheffield, in December 2023.

"Good Samaritan" Mr Marriott, who had stopped to help after Jhangur's sister collapsed during the fighting, died at the scene while four others were seriously injured.

In a statement, Mr Marriott's wife of 16 years, Bryony, described her husband as "genuine, kind and loving" and said his death would affect her and their two sons "for the rest of our lives".

Jailing him at Sheffield Crown Court for a minimum term of 26 years, Mr Justice Morris said the attack had been "a deliberate and senseless act of hot-headed and wanton violence" that resulted in the death of Mr Marriott and life-changing consequences for many others.

Jhangur, of Whiteways Road, Sheffield, was found guilty in July of murder, three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and one of wounding with intent relating to those also hurt.

He was also convicted of a second count of wounding with intent for attacking his new brother-in-law, Hasan Khan, with a knife following the crash, stabbing him repeatedly in the head and chest.

• How an act of kindness put passer-by in path of killer driver at family dispute

Chris Marriott, pictured here with his wife Bryony, died while helping a stranger in need in Sheffield

During his trial at Sheffield Crown Court, prosecutors outlined how a series of events involving the Jhangur and Khan families had resulted in the death of devout Christian Mr Marriott.

A dispute between the two families had come to a peak following the marriage of Amaani Jhangur and Hasan Khan on 27 December.

The couple had been celebrating at the Khan's family home in College Court when the bride's mother, Ambreen, and sister, Nafeesa, arrived and a fight broke out in the street, during which Nafeesa was knocked to the ground, seemingly unconscious.

At this point Mr Marriott, who was out for a post-Christmas walk with his family, and off-duty midwife Alison Norris came across the scene and decided to help.

Moments later, Hassan Jhangur came "flying around the corner" in a Seat Ibiza and drove straight into Riasat Khan before smashing into the group gathered around Nafeesa Jhangur.

The court heard Mr Marriott died at the scene, while Ms Norris, Ambreen Jhangur, Nafeesa Jhangur and Riasat Khan were all seriously injured.

Mohammed Jhangur, 57, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice

Jhangur then got out of the car brandishing a knife and attacked Hasan Khan, before passing the knife to his father, Mohammed Jhangur, who hid it in the boot of his taxi.

Mohammed Jhangur, 57, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Mr Justice Morris said to him: "I accept when you arrived at scene, you along with many others present were faced with a situation of considerable confusion and great distress.

"This does not excuse your behaviour but it goes some way to explain it. Your behaviour was short-lived and had little to no impact on the police investigation."

'My best friend'

Mrs Marriott, speaking through tears, told the court that her husband's death had affected every aspect of the family's life.

She described her husband as reliable, trustworthy, affectionate and gentle, as someone who had a compassionate heart and loved helping others.

"Chris wasn't loud or in your face, but he was a great example of how small things done well and with love can have a big impact," she said.

"He was my best friend."

Mrs Marriott said her husband loved being a father, and that their time together as a family of four had been far shorter than they had imagined.

Chris Marriott was killed when he stepped in to help a collapsed woman

She said their children missed their father's "kisses, big hugs and dad jokes," adding that there would be "many big and small moments in their lives" when they will wish their father was still here.

"His death has had a profound affect on our sons, who now feel scared about what might happen to me," she said.

"Chris's death will affect me and our children for the rest of our lives but instead of becoming full of hate, we choose to hold on to love."

Ms Norris, who is still recovering from her injuries, said in a statement following the sentencing that she believed the best way to honour Mr Marriott's memory was to "take responsibility for how we treat one another".

She urged people to "resist hurting others when we are hurting ourselves" and "to keep looking out for one another with kindness and generosity".

Det Ch Insp Andy Knowles from South Yorkshire Police said: "While I'm acutely aware that prison sentences for Hassan and Mohammed Jhangur will in no way bring a resolution for Chris's loved ones and the other injured victims, I hope it goes some way to helping them move on with their lives."

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