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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Ashley Pemberton & Chiara Fiorillo

Thugs who tied up and stabbed man, 61, in 'exceptionally brutal' attack jailed

Two thugs who tied up and stabbed a "kind-hearted" man to death in an "exceptionally brutal attack" have been jailed for his murder.

Craig Stanton, 43, and Alexander MacKay, 47, were jailed for 25 and 23 years respectively after being found guilty of killing Saleem Butt, 61, in his home.

The men entered Mr Butt's home in Batley, West Yorkshire, through an open window and then tied him up and beat him during a burglary, Leeds Crown Court heard. 

The pair ransacked Mr Butt’s house but took nothing of value during the raid on April 24 this year, police said.

Craig Stanton, 43, was jailed for 25 years (West Yorkshire Police / SWNS.COM)

A post-mortem examination showed Mr Butt died as a result of severe head and neck injuries following a sustained attack.

Police said that Mr Butt, a keen gardener, was described by neighbours as popular, community-spirited and always happy to help others.

Saleem Butt, 61, died after being attacked by the two thugs (PA)
Police cordon outside Mr Butt's home on Hyrstlands Road in Batley, West Yorkshire (Huddersfield Examiner/MEN Media)

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson from West Yorkshire Police said: “The murder of Saleem Butt was a horrific offence in which Stanton and McKay subjected him to a sustained and exceptionally brutal attack in his own home.

“The level of violence they inflicted on Saleem was frankly inexplicable and point to the very real danger these two men pose.

“I hope seeing them sentenced will bring some comfort to Mr Butt’s family and those who knew and were friends with him.”

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