Teenager faces life for murder of mother

A TEENAGER is facing life in jail after a 17-year-old mother was brutally stabbed and dumped in a canal.

Three days before her death in October last year, student Laura Wilson had told the families of two Asian men that she had affairs with their sons.

She was repeatedly stabbed by 18-year-old Ashtiaq Asghar, of Holmes Lane, Rotherham, during what the prosecution called a “golden opportunity” when she was alone at the Sheffield and Keadby Canal.

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Her body was found three days after she was reported missing from her home in Holmes in the town.

Asghar’s friend Ishaq Hussain, 22, of Ferham Road, Rotherham, was yesterday cleared of Laura’s murder in what the prosecution had claimed was a “joint enterprise” between the two.

It was alleged that Hussain – who disputes that he is the father of Laura’s daughter – lured Laura’s friend away so Asghar could kill her.

The jury rejected the prosecution’s case against Hussain by a unanimous verdict following 10-and-three-quarter hours of deliberations.

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Asghar has already admitted Laura’s murder at an earlier hearing and is due to be sentenced later this month.

Detective Superintendent Mick Mason, the senior investigating officer in the case, said yesterday: “One man has been convicted of Laura’s murder and we’re satisfied that all available evidence was put before a jury so that due process could take place.

“This has been a traumatic time for Laura’s family and friends, some of whom attended court.

“Her killer will face a lengthy prison sentence and we hope that they can now move on with the rest of their lives.”