Brothers jailed over 'honour feud' GBH

Ismail Hussain, 22, nearly died and has been left brain-damaged following the ferocious attack which was carried out in a Rotherham hairdressers by Shamaz Ali, 20, and Shiraz Ali, 17.

Sheffield Crown Court was told that Mr Hussain's brother Isaac had a two-year relationship with a member of the Ali family which brought "great dishonour" on them, according to elder members.

The six-year long feud between the rival families escalated with Mr Hussain's cousin being allegedly assaulted by Shiraz Ali who was due to face trial over the matter.

But Michael Slater, prosecuting, said before a hearing could take place, Shiraz and his brother Shamaz attacked Mr Hussain with the pickaxe handle in Prince Cuts barber's shop in Masbrough Street, Masbrough.

Both defendants who lived in nearby Clough Road had admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Shamaz Ali was detained for nine years at a Young Offenders Institute and Shiraz Ali was given seven years in jail.

Judge Simon Lawler told the pair that they had committed a "merciless" attack following the background of "unhappy animosity" between the feuding families.

He said of the victim: "His life will never be the same, some will argue it is ruined and he's only 22."

Doctors said he would have died without emergency surgery on his brain injury.