Watford: Life in prison for son who beat father to death

Husnein Amjad will spend a minimum of 17 years in prison before he's considered for parole

A son recorded beating his father to death has been found guilty of his murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Husnein Amjad, 23, must spend a minimum of 17 years in jail for the attack on Amjad Hussain, 52, at their home in Fuller Road, Watford.

The hour-long assault with a belt, kicks and punches was recorded on a mobile phone.

His mother Shabham Bi had left it on record because of rumours her husband had married a woman in Pakistan.

St Albans Crown Court heard Amjad made no attempt to call for help after the attack.

The 23-year-old had admitted manslaughter but denied murder.

A jury had listened to the recording where sounds could clearly be heard of his father being hit and kicked, "groaning as if semi-conscious and in pain."

Amjad Hussain was killed after an hour long assault in Fuller Road, Watford.

'I've done something stupid'

Mr Hussain had spent 14 months in Pakistan from August 2020, his return having been delayed by family issues and Covid.

He was collected from Heathrow Airport on October 27, 2021, and the family ate together in the evening.

While the family visited a trampoline park in Elstree the next day, Amjad stayed at home saying he had something to discuss with his father.

Later he phoned his sister and said: "Listen, I've done something stupid, call the ambulance, I'm gonna hand myself in."

Asked what he was talking about, he replied: "I'm sorry, it was self-defence," adding, "think of the worst thing I could have possibly done."

Police and paramedics arrived at the house and tried in vain to resuscitate Mr Hussain who was pronounced dead at 19:02 BST.

Shortly beforehand Amjad had handed himself in at Watford Police Station.

The cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head, chest and abdomen.

Husnein Amjad was found guilty at St Albans crown court on Thursday

'Amounted to torture'

Amjad, who had no previous convictions, had told the jury he had "stress on his shoulders" and "cracked."

Christopher Henley KC, defending, said: "It was a spontaneous uncontrollable outburst. There was no intent to kill."

Judge John Hillen, sentencing, said: "Your anger was not a temporary loss of control as for over an hour you beat your father to death".

He added: "Even the most objectionable person does not warrant being subject to treatment you meted out which almost amounted to torture."