Update: Five people sentenced following death of Paul Foster

We can confirm that the following five people were sentenced today (Thursday 21 May) following the death of Paul Foster.

• Zayd Alasaly, 24, of Corinto Street, in Toxteth, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years after being found guilty of murder. He was also sentenced to 15 years for robbery, 12 years for possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence and three and a half years for possession of a bladed article in a public place. These will run concurrently to the lead offence of murder.

• Michael Fields, 49, of no fixed abode, was also jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years after being found guilty of murder. He was sentenced to three and a half years for possession of a bladed article in a public place, 12 years for robbery and ten years for possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence. These will run concurrently to the lead offence of murder.

 

• Dylan Blundell, 27, of no fixed abode, was jailed for a total of 16 years for manslaughter, possession of a bladed article in a public place, robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence

 

• Elsadig Abrahim, 61, of Croxteth Road, in Liverpool, was jailed for a total of 18 years for manslaughter, robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence

 

• Sarah Kasseum, 40, of Lower Breck Road, in Liverpool, was jailed for a total of 17 years for manslaughter, robbery, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence and drugs offences.

See below for a section of the family's Victim Personal Statement read out in court:

"Paul was a deeply loved son, father, brother, uncle and grandfather.  He was kind, caring and funny, the glue that held our family together. He played such an important role in our lives.

"Our family has been shattered and we are now trying to cope with the emptiness left behind. Every day we are reminded of what has been taken from us.

"There are so many moments we will never have, family milestones, celebrations and the future he deserved.

"Paul should still be a part of our family watching his children grow, being with his grandchildren, continuing to lead and protect us all as he did so naturally. Instead, we are left with a gap that can never be filled.

"This is not something we will ever recover from. The pain and the loss will stay with us for the rest of our lives. His death has changed everything."

During the sentencing of Fields and Alasaly, Judge Simon Medland KC said: "This court on behalf of the city of Liverpool praises in the highest terms the senior investigating officer, the officers in the case and the whole team.”

 

ISSUED ON 19.05.2026:

We can confirm that two men have been found guilty of murder and a further three people guilty of manslaughter following the death of Paul Foster.

The 47-year-old was fatally stabbed on Muirhead Avenue, in West Derby, on Tuesday 15 October 2024, after five people went to a flat with the intention of committing a robbery. Sadly, Paul was stabbed once in the back during the incident and passed away from his injuries.

Paul has been described by his family as “a much-loved son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a true friend to many.”

Following a trial held at Liverpool Crown Court, the below two people were found guilty of murder yesterday (Monday 18 May) as well as the following offences:

• Zayd Alasaly, 24, of Corinto Street, in Toxteth, was found guilty of murder, robbery, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence and possession of a bladed article in a public place

• Michael Fields, 49, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He had already admitted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence

The below three people were found guilty of manslaughter as well as the following offences:

• Elsadig Abrahim, 61, of Croxteth Road, in Liverpool, was found guilty of manslaughter, robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence

• Dylan Blundell, 27, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of manslaughter. He had already admitted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence

• Sarah Kasseum, 40, of Lower Breck Road, in Liverpool, was found guilty of manslaughter, possession of a bladed article in a public place, robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence

Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said: “These individuals clearly targeted Paul Foster and not only subjected him to a robbery, but tragically he lost his life after being stabbed.

“Despite all five suspects denying murder, following a complex and thorough investigation we were able to prove that Alasaly and Fields were guilty of this offence. Abrahim, Blundell and Kasseum were also found guilty of manslaughter for their role in Mr Foster’s death.

“Our thoughts remain with his friends and family as they continue to grieve their loss.”

All five people will be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 21 May.