Sympathy call for killers' families

The killers of Kevin Jackson are starting life sentences.

The three, Rashad Zaman, 21, Rangzaib Akhtar, 20, Raees Khan, 21, attacked Kevin Jackson after he intervened as they tampered with his father-in-law's car.

The killers stabbed father-of-two Mr Jackson in the head with a screwdriver and beat him with a piece of wood, near his home.

" Mr Jackson was unarmed...you committed a cowardly and horrific act "
Mr Justice Jackson

The 31-year-old engineer from Skircoat Green, Halifax, died from his injuries on New Year's Day - two days after he suffered the assault on 30 December, 2001.

His father-in-law Ron Wagman told BBC News 24: "We feel for the people's families and we know what they must be going through as well.

"We hope they can put it behind them."

The sentiments were echoed by Mr Jackson's widow, Julie.

Speaking about the convicted murderers she said: "I hope they do have some thought as to what they have put their own families through.

"If their parents have felt a tenth of the heartache and worry that my family have felt this year, I feel for them."

During the four week murder trial at Leeds Crown Court, the jury was told the three killers from Bradford had been on a three-month car crime spree when they murdered Mr Jackson.

The judge Mr Justice Jackson told them: "You confronted Kevin Jackson three-to-one, you assaulted him.

Further charges

"Mr Jackson was unarmed, and by stabbing him through the head, you committed a cowardly and horrific act."

Akhtar, of Salt Street, Khan, of Priestman Close, and Zaman of Apsley Crescent, admitted attempting to steal the car but had denied murdering Mr Jackson.

Zaman was also sentenced to four years for stealing cars.

Khan was given an additional three years for similar charges.

Akhtar was given five additional years for car crime and an assault on an inmate while on remand.