Ballymena: Man jailed for 20 years for murder of Inayat Shah

Inayat Shah was stabbed 55 times as he tried to help an injured man

A man is to serve at least 20 years in prison for the murder of the manager of a County Antrim B&B that housed homeless people.

Michael Lenaghan, 55, of Galgorm Road in Ballymena, admitted to the multiple stabbing of Inayat Shah in March 2020.

He was handed the sentence at Belfast Crown Court.

Mr Shah was 67 when he was stabbed 55 times outside The Travellers Rest in Ballymena.

He was attacked after going to the aid of another resident who had been stabbed in the chest by Lenaghan.

The attack took place on the afternoon of 21 March 2020.

Lenaghan pleaded guilty to murder last month.

Michael Lenaghan pictured at the time of a previous court appearance

During February's plea hearing, Belfast Crown Court was told Mr Shah was at home at the time, receiving a visit from his 16-year old granddaughter.

The family were watching TV when an injured resident entered the living room, having just been stabbed in the chest by Lenaghan.

Mr Shah called 999 and then followed the wounded man outside to help him.

But Mr Shah was chased by Lenaghan, who was angry at him for calling the police.

Lenaghan then began stabbing him repeatedly, shouting: "You're dead, you're dead".

A prosecuting barrister told that hearing that the sounds of the "chilling and devastating" attack were recorded over the course of two and half minutes on the 999 call.

The lawyer said the "screams and groans" of Mr Shah fell silent "shortly before the defendant walked away from the mutilated and lifeless body".

The fatal attack took place at The Travellers Rest, Ballymena, in March 2020

Lenaghan was also jailed for stabbing the other victim in the chest and making a threat to kill a third man on that day.

The sentences will run concurrently.

'Horrific and savage'

After Friday's hearing Det Insp Jennifer Rea from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) addressed reporters outside the court.

She described Mr Shah as a "loving family man" who was a "much loved husband, father and grandfather".

"Mr Lenaghan's actions were both horrific and savage. This was an unprovoked attack and one which took the life of an innocent man," she said.

"Two other men, both of whom were staying at the nearby property, were also subjected to a terrifying ordeal on that day."

Det Insp Rea said the Shah family wished to express their gratitude to the police officers and paramedics who attended the "distressing scene" and "who tried so very hard to save Mr Shah".

"No-one should ever have to experience such horror or loss and I hope today's sentencing will bring some closure to this family, but I know their worlds have been turned upside down and their hearts remain broken."