MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR JAILED FOR BRUTAL HAMMER ATTACK ON EX-WIFE
A martial arts instructor and father in Manchester has been sentenced to seven years in prison after attacking his ex-wife with a hammer.Salah Alkharraz, aged 48, assaulted Talia Ismail in what was described as a motiveless and vicious attack.
During the assault, Alkharraz struck Ismail multiple times over the head as she pleaded for their children.
He then grabbed her by the neck, pushed her into her house, covered her mouth, and continued to hit her, causing her to scream for help.
She managed to escape and alert neighbors.
She sustained three deep wounds that required nine stitches but miraculously did not suffer skull fractures.
Ismail stated in a victim impact statement that she has experienced nightmares, anxiety, and panic since the attack.
Alkharraz was found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and admitted to possessing cannabis.
The court heard how he showed up at her house to collect gym equipment, claiming he was unwell and could not recall the attack, which he blamed on his cognitive issues from past strokes and cannabis use.
The judge, Martin Rudland, emphasized the seriousness of the crime, noting the attack was planned and occurred in her home, with no children present.
Alkharraz, who ran the Salah Martial Arts Centre in Manchester and was known as 'Master Salah,' had previously demonstrated breaking bricks with his head and bare hands.
The court imposed an indefinite restraining order preventing any contact with Ismail.
Sentencing considered his health issues and lack of prior convictions, but highlighted the violent and planned nature of the attack, which left his victim feeling she was going to die.
