SHAJAHAN KABIR'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN CARLISLE: BAKERY TRAGEDY LEAVES COMMUNITY SHOCKED
In May 2020, a devastating incident unfolded in Carlisle that would leave the local community in profound shock and grief.Shahajan Kabir, a man with a dark and violent history, committed a heinous act that would forever stain the town's memory.
The tragedy occurred inside a Greggs bakery located on Scotch Street, where Kabir, then 56 years old, carried out a brutal attack that resulted in the death of his own 10-month-old son, Hassan Martin.
According to court records and eyewitness testimonies, the incident took place while Hassan was seated in his pushchair, and his mother, Lorna Martin, along with his grandmother, Pauline Martin, were present at the scene.
The Martins had gone to the bakery to purchase a cake in celebration of Hassan’s first birthday, a moment that should have been filled with joy but was tragically overshadowed by violence.
Shahajan Kabir, who was employed as a curry chef at a nearby restaurant, entered the bakery armed with a 12-inch kitchen knife.
The court heard that he was suffering from depression and anger, partly fueled by his recent legal struggles.
Just six weeks prior to the attack, Kabir had been informed that his application for political asylum in the UK had been denied, and he was scheduled for deportation back to Bangladesh.
This news appeared to have exacerbated his mental state, leading to a violent outburst.
During the attack, Kabir slit his son’s throat from ear to ear while Hassan was still strapped into his pushchair.
Witnesses described how Kabir, with a disturbing smile on his face, proceeded to carry out the murder in front of the horrified mother and grandmother.
The attack was so severe that passersby intervened, disarming Kabir and stopping him from further harm.
The jury was told that Kabir’s actions appeared deliberate, and he was found guilty of murder and unlawful wounding of both the child's mother and grandmother.
In the aftermath, the court heard that Kabir had been battling emotional turmoil and had previously attempted to snatch Hassan in Carlisle town centre.
His mental health and propensity for violence were key concerns during his trial.
The judge, Mr.
Justice Leveson, described the murder as a “ferocious” act, emphasizing that Kabir had deliberately sought to end his son’s life, possibly driven by fears of deportation and a desire to prevent his son from being taken away from him.
Following his conviction, Kabir was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 13 years.
His sentence was later increased to 16 years, reflecting the severity of his crime.
Despite serving time, Kabir’s behavior in prison has been described as “mixed,” and the Parole Board recently reviewed his case.
They concluded that he had not demonstrated sufficient evidence of rehabilitation or a reduced risk to the public, and therefore, he was denied parole.
The Board’s decision was based on an assessment of his conduct in custody, his mental health, and his history of violence.
The Parole Board’s statement highlighted concerns about Kabir’s ability to manage relationships and emotions, as well as his willingness to use violence deliberately.
They emphasized that public safety remains their top priority and that Kabir will be eligible for another review in two years.
The case remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked violence and mental health issues, especially when combined with legal and immigration struggles.
Hassan Martin’s family continues to mourn the loss of their young son.
His aunt, Zoe Muir, expressed her heartbreak, describing Hassan as a “lovely little boy who always seemed to have a smile on his face for everyone.” She also condemned Kabir’s betrayal, stating, “We took Shahajan Kabir into our home and our family, and he has betrayed us in the cruelest way imaginable.” The community and family members have shown their support through flowers and memorials outside the bakery, seeking some measure of solace amid the tragedy that has forever changed their lives.
