Man sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to murdering a Lancashire dad in his own home

Michael Dale, 46, was stabbed to death at his home in Haslingden on May 2. Pic: Lancashire Police

Shahid Hussain, 38, of no fixed address, was sentenced today (October 30) at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to the murder of Michael Dale, 46.

Police said Hussain visited Mr Dale's home at around 12.40am on May 2 this year looking to obtain drugs.

While at the home, it is believed he and Mr Dale had a disagreement. Hussain then stabbed Mr Dale five times to the back and chest before fleeing.

Shahid Hussain, 38, has been sentenced to 16 years and eight weeks in jail after pleading guilty to the murder of Michael Dale. Pic: Lancashire Police

CCTV taken from nearby shows Hussain was inside the home for less than two minutes.

Mr Dale’s body was discovered at around 1am. Paramedics attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

On October 28, Hussain appeared at Preston Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to murder.

Today he has been sentenced to 16 years and eight weeks in jail.

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"From his initial arrest, right through to the day his trial was due to start, he has protested his innocence and put forward a concoction of lies in an effort to evade justice.

"I want to express my gratitude to the prosecution team who have worked tirelessly to disprove those lies over many months. This left him with no alternative other than to plead guilty.

"Our thoughts are very much with Mr Dale’s family and friends, who have remained extremely dignified throughout.

"We hope this verdict, and the fact Hussain is now facing a long time in prison, provides them with some closure and they are able to start moving forward with their lives."

In a statement following today’s sentencing hearing, Mr Dale’s family said: "As a family we welcome today’s guilty plea and sentence.

"We will never get over losing Michael and we all miss him dearly. Michael was funny, caring, thoughtful and a true gentleman.

"He was a fabulous father and his children now have to grow up without him in their lives, although he will always be in our thoughts and hearts.

"We would like to thank the police for all their hard work which has ultimately led to the guilty plea today, and for all the support they have provided to us as a family."