Brierley Hill crossbow killings: Murder-accused 'was model student' at university

Omar Ramzan, 24, was present when the shots were fired by his father, Saghawat Ramzan, 46, which killed both Waseem Ramzan, 36, and Khuzaimah Douglas, 19, following a raid by an alleged rival gang at a cannabis factory on February 20 last year.

The jury in the trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court heard on Wednesday that Omar Ramzan had armed himself with a crossbow belonging to his father which was lying loaded behind the sofa in their house in Pensnett Road, Brierley Hill.

CCTV footage was also shown of Omar Ramzan stamping on Khuzaimah Douglas who was on the road outside held from behind by his uncle Waseem Ramzan.

Omar Ramzan, an accountant, told the court that he was trying to defend Waseem Ramzan.

“At the time I felt I needed to help my uncle,” said Omar Ramzan.

“That was my instinctive reaction."

Yesterday character witnesses spoke in support of Omar Ramzan.

In a statement Steven Young, professor of accounting at Lancaster University, said the defendant studied at the university's management school from 2015 to 2018 graduating with a BSc honours degree in accounting and management studies.

“His performance throughout the programme was consistently excellent,” said Mr Young.

“I have reviewed his student file, there is no evidence he was a problematic student.

“He appears to have been a model student in all respects.”

Helen Davies told the court Omar Ramzan was her daughter’s long-term boyfriend.

“Over the last couple of years we have seen an awful lot of Omar, he has been a big part of our family. I know him very well.

“Omar is a lovely young man, very kind, considerate and articulate.

“I am happy to have him as my daughter’s boyfriend.”

Asked by Omar Ramzan’s barrister, Philip Bradley, if she had ever had any cause for concern, Mrs Davies replied: “Never. If I had I would not be here now.”

Kurt Shearwood said he first met Omar Ramzan in 2008 when they started secondary school.

He said they became “best friends” and maintained their friendship after the school years ended.

“I respect Omar,” said Mr Shearwood.

“I look up to him a lot. He has never had anything given to him - he has worked very hard.

“He was very proud of his academic achievements but never bragged - he put in the hard work to get where he got.

“He was always there for me. I have had family issues and girlfriend issues.

“He was a very good friend to me.”

Omar Ramzan, Saghawat Ramzan and Mohammed Sageer are each charged with two counts of murder.

Following the statements from character witnesses for Omar Ramzan, His Honour Judge Michael Chambers QC began his summing up of the case to the jury.

A verdict in the trial is expected next week.