THE forensic examination of CCTV footage and mobile phone data was at the heart of a complex investigation to trackdown the men responsible for brutal killing of a cannabis farmer.

Hemawand Ali Hussain was blasted to death with a sawn-off shotgun by a rival drugs gang after they lured him to a potential cannibis farm site in Hartlepool.

The 30-year-old was shot dead within minutes of arriving at the house in September 2019.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the gang met up in Bolton in the days leading up to the slaying as the plans were put together.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Robinson who led the investigation said: “I welcome today’s sentences and hope they will bring some closure for Mr Hussein’s family who have had to suffer hearing the details of his final moments. Mr Hussein will be missed every day by his family.  His two sons will have to live the rest of their lives without their Dad by their side.

“This was a challenging investigation.  I am very grateful to my team for their tenacity, dedication and professionalism.

“I would also like to thank my police colleagues across the UK who have provided assistance throughout this investigation. I would like to praise the witnesses in this case for the evidence that they gave and for attending court during a pandemic.

The Northern Echo: Hemawand Ali HussainHemawand Ali Hussain

“This is an ongoing investigation and four men remain wanted in connection with Mr Hussein’s death. If anyone has any information in relation to their whereabouts please contact 101.

“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Noza Saffari, 39, of Park Lane, Middlesbrough, was jailed for 15 years, while getaway driver 33-year-old Dorian Pirija, of Trillo Avenue, Bolton, was sentenced to 19 years in custody.

Illegal immigrant and scaffolder Qazim Marku, 25, of West Drayton, London, was also jailed for 19 years.

The Northern Echo: Noza Saffari, Dorian Pirija and Qazim Marku were convicted for their roles in the killing of the 30-year-oldNoza Saffari, Dorian Pirija and Qazim Marku were convicted for their roles in the killing of the 30-year-old

A fourth man, Anxelo Xhaferi, was cleared of both charges and was immediately released from custody.