Your Local Independent 209

July 2026 Page 3 AD SALES 01204 478812 THREE people have been jailed for their roles in a violent machete attack linked to a feud between rival organised crime groups in Rochdale. Sonia Ali, Hasan Alam, and Asad Ali were all sentenced at Manchester Crown Court. Asad Ali, 31, of Marne Crescent, Rochdale, was sentenced to six years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to wound with intent. Hasan Alam, 26, of Dean Court, Rochdale, was sentenced to eight years after pleading guilty to violent disorder, driving whilst disqualified, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and money laundering. Sonia Ali, 34, of Burnley Lane, Oldham, was sentenced to 18months MORE than 220 gifted musicians, including children as young as seven, have been impress- ing local audiences with their talents. Rochdale Music Ser- vice held its annual ‘Summer Sizzler’ event at Middleton Arena. Local schools and children, who have been supported by the ser- vice, came together to perform in front of the mayor of Rochdale and their friends and family. They were treated to a variety of music, from traditional rock to classical ensembles, throughout the day during three sepa- rate concerts. For some, this was their very first live musical performance as they played in small bands and a mass orchestra along- side pupils from dif- ferent schools across the borough. All the music was summer themed, with special arrangements put together so that children who have only just started play- ing and know a few notes, could still join in alongside more sea- soned performers. Young musicians hit the high notes (Photos courtesy: Rochdale Council) Three jailed for machete attack roles after pleading guilty to failure to comply with a section 49 notice and participating in the criminal activi- ties of an Organised Crime Group. The attack was part of an escalat- ing feud between two organised crime groups involved in drug supply oper- ations in the Rochdale area. During the attack in May 2021 two men, wearing balaclavas and carrying a machete and an axe-type weapon, forced entry into an address in the town. One of the victims suffered life-changing injuries, while the other suffered minor injuries. The events that unfolded caused significant trauma to the entire family. The court heard that Sonia Ali was present at the scene and acted as a decoy, enabling the attackers to gain entry to the property. They attacked the first victimwho was asleep in his bed, following which there was a struggle on the landing inside the property which injured a second person – a woman – before the perpetrators then fled the scene with help. She later refused to provide access to her mobile device during the investigation despite the court ordering her to do so. Hasan Alam acted as a driver for the attackers, and acted as a geta- way following the crime. Alam was also separately sentenced for drugs offences and driving offences. Asad Ali, though not physically present at the scene, was found to have orchestrated the attack remotely, coordinating with other offenders and facilitating the use of weapons and transport. His role was deemed central to the planning and execution of the assault. One of the actual attackers was jailed for the crime in 2021, while one suspect remains outstanding. Detective Constable Melanie Jeff- ery, the officer in charge of the case, said: “This was a shocking and deeply unsettling attack, carried out bra- zenly in broad daylight on a Satur- day, just yards from a busy shopping area where families were going about their lives.”