Michael Lenaghan to spend minimum of 20 years in jail for murder of Inayat Shah in Ballymena in 2020

A man who stabbed the manager of a Ballymena hostel 55 times was on Friday informed he will spend a minimum of 20 years in jail for the "brutal" murder.

Inayat Shah, 67, who ran the Traveller's Rest on the Galgorm Road in the Co Antrim town, was murdered by Michael Lenaghan on the afternoon of 21 March 2020.

Mr Shah provided accommodation for people who found themselves homeless, for those who had just been released from prison and for people with complex needs.

Lenaghan was one such resident and as she imposed the sentence upon him, Judge Patricia Smyth said: "Mr Shah provided a valuable public service and it cost him his life."

As relatives of Mr Shah sat in the public gallery of Belfast Crown Court, Judge Smyth paid tribute to him and spoke of the loss his death has had on his loved ones.

The court heard that on the afternoon of 21 March 2020, Lenaghan - who at the time had been living in a self-contained flat in the Travellers Rest - threatened to kill a resident.

He then stabbed another resident in the chest who made his way to Mr Shah's living quarters to get assistance.

The wounded man then left the properly, followed by Mr Shah, who at this stage was on the phone with the emergency services.

As they made their way to Lenaghan's accommodation, he approached them aggressively whilst carrying the knife.

Mr Shah started to run from the armed man, but he slipped on the ground and was then stabbed repeatedly by Lenaghan.

As Mr Shah was still on the phone, the entire attack was recorded on the 999 call in what Judge Smyth described as "in harrowing detail."

She said Mr Shah's "repeated screams" can be heard along with him offering money to Lenaghan in return for his life.

The wounded man ran back to the hostel shouting 'the old man has been stabbed' and the emergency services were called.

Despite their best efforts, life was pronounced extinct at 3.57pm - and a post mortem revealed he sustained 55 stab wounds including defensive injuries.

Lenaghan, who was described in the aftermath of the murder as being 'calm but out of it' and covered in blood, walked back to his accommodation.

He told the resident he threatened earlier that day 'you'll end up like Shah there, dead in the street.'

A short time later, Lenaghan was approached by police and said 'that thing is in the alley. I did it. It's me you're looking for.'

When arrested for murder, Lenaghan asked 'is he dead?' and when told this was the case, he replied 'f*****g good'. He was overheard by Mr Shah's daughter shouting 'happy days.'

He was aggressive and abusive to officers and to custody staff at the PSNI station.

During a police interview, he gave a largely 'no comment' response - but subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of murdering Mr Shah, wounding one fellow resident and threatening to kill a second.

He said he felt Mr Shah was a 'tout' and was trying to get him sent back to prison.

During Friday's Tariff hearing, the Belfast Recorder noted Lenaghan's "relevant" criminal record consisting of over 130 offences as well as his consumption of alcohol and drugs prior to the murder.

She also noted that medical experts agreed that he was suffering from an abnormality of mental functioning at the time.

Judge Smyth said she had read statements provided by Mr Shah's loved ones.

The deceased man's daughter spoke of her loss, grief and depression since her father's death and the "searing pain" of his absence.

Mr Shah's son spoke of the difficulties he experienced with the court proceedings and the lack of remorse on Lenaghan's part.

He also described his father as a "kind, loving and charitable" man who would help anyone in the community.

In his statement, he asked the question "why was the defendant free to commit this terrible crime?"

Mr Shah's partner also spoke of his generosity and said "the people of Ballymena have been robbed of a great man."

Judge Smyth said that after receiving these and other statements, it was clear he provided a "unique" public service to those with complex needs.

Branding the fatal knife attack as both "brutal" and "ferocious", Judge Smyth imposed a minimum term of 20 years which Lenaghan must serve before he is considered eligible for release by the Parole Commissioners.

He showed no emotion as the term was imposed and was handcuffed then led from the dock and back into custody by prison staff.

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