Man fled to Airbnb after murdering grandfather

A 27-year-old man who destroyed his sim card and fled to an Airbnb after killing a grandfather has been convicted of murder.

David Dosa died after being stabbed in the neck outside his flat in Farley Court in Luton on 15 August.

Yasar Hussain, 27, denied murdering the 53-year-old but was found guilty following a trial at Luton Crown Court.

Jurors were told he fled on an e-scooter and was arrested after being tracked down to Airbnb accommodation in Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.

Judge Michael Kay is due to sentence Hussain on Friday.

Det Ch Insp Nick Gardner, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said after the conviction: "There is no justification, no excuse, and no hiding place for individuals who bring fear and violence into our communities."

Hussain had ridden on the e-scooter from his home in Cades Close, Luton, to buy cannabis from Mr Dosa, jurors heard.

Prosecuting barrister Sean Larkin KC said evidence suggested that Mr Dosa was a drug user and involved in "some sort" of cannabis supply.

The pair spoke on the pavement outside the block of flats, as seen on CCTV, and a witness said they appeared to be arguing.

Mr Larkin said Hussain stabbed the victim and told jurors how Mr Dosa chased his attacker while brandishing his walking stick.

"He is now running whilst bleeding," said Mr Larkin.

The weapon used was never found, jurors heard.

The prosecutor said Hussain tried to "frustrate" police by carrying out a factory reset on his phone and that he "wiped" his data shortly after the attack.

Hussain claimed he did not stab Mr Dosa, had no intention of hurting him and did not have "any weapons".

Mr Dosa attacked and chased him, he told jurors.

Hussain said he had "no idea" Mr Dosa had been stabbed and told the court he saw a "mystery man" near the "back entrance" to the block of flats.

The judge told jurors that Hussain had a "communication difficulty" and had been "diagnosed with a learning disability".

An intermediary sat with the defendant during the trial to help him understand what was happening.

Det Ch Insp Gardner said there was "no certainty" as to why the pair had a disagreement and added: "Ultimately, we may never know why this tragic incident happened."

Bedfordshire Police said he stayed at the Airbnb in an attempt to evade capture.

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