A 22-year-old man has today been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years and six months for the murder of Mohammed Algasim.

Chas Corrigan was found guilty of murder on 2 March 2026 following a trial at Cambridge Crown Court.

In August 2025, Mohammed Algasim was in Cambridge as part of a 10-week English language course. On the evening of the attack, he was outside his accommodation block in the city with other students when he was approached by Corrigan.

Corrigan had been drinking in a local pub and was under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. He left the premises carrying a kitchen knife and made his way through the city centre.

CCTV footage showed an interaction between Corrigan and Mohammed before Corrigan walked away, then turned back, and, without any provocation, stabbed him in the neck. The force of the attack severed a major artery. Despite the efforts of members of the public, including off-duty doctors, and emergency services, Mohammed died from his injuries. Corrigan fled the scene.

His father, Peter Corrigan, later admitted assisting him by concealing the distinctive clothing which his son had been wearing at the time of the attack. He was today jailed for two years.

The prosecution presented eyewitness evidence, pathology findings and extensive CCTV footage, including footage capturing the moment of the attack. This evidence demonstrated that Corrigan’s actions were not lawful self-defence.

Cheryl Williams, Crown Advocate, said: “Chas Corrigan claimed he acted in self-defence, but the evidence clearly showed this was not the case.

“Our case was built on a strong combination of CCTV footage, including images of the attack itself, eyewitness testimony and pathology evidence.

“This was a fatal and cruel act of violence which has had a devastating impact on Mohammed Algasim’s family and friends.

“Nothing can undo their loss, but I hope today’s sentence provides some measure of justice.”