Birmingham's Rahman Saidi jailed for hostel murder

Police said Mr Mirawdali had been planning to return to Iraq

A man has been jailed for life for murdering his friend in a Birmingham hostel after a row over his ex-wife.

Iraqi national Bakhitar Ahmad Kheder Mirawdali, 40, was found dead at the hostel in Soho Road, Handsworth, on 2 February 2012.

A jury at Birmingham Crown Court found fellow Iraqi Rahman Saidi, 48, guilty of the murder.

Saidi, of Hockley Brook Close, was ordered to serve a minimum tariff of 20 years.

West Midlands Police said the pair had got into an argument over Saidi's ex-wife, who Mr Mirawdali was in a relationship with.

'Some comfort'

They said Saidi then subjected his victim to a "ferocious attack" in the room at the hostel where Mr Mirawdali was staying.

Saidi was linked to the case after he visited a casino after the murder

Detectives said they linked Saidi to the attack after he visited a casino on the night of the murder and spent a large amount of cash which had been stolen from Mr Mirawdali.

Officers said Mr Mirawdali had been saving the money to return to his home country and had already booked a one-way flight back.

Forensic tests on Saidi's mobile phone and studies of his movements before the attack proved he had been lying about having no involvement in the murder, police said.

Saidi was charged with the murder on 11 February 2012.

Det Insp Buck Rogers said he hoped the guilty verdict would bring "some comfort and closure" to Mr Mirawdali's family and friends.