Drug Dealer Jailed for Brutal Manslaughter of John Rimmer
A drug dealer who terrorised and savagely attacked a man in the weeks before his death has been locked up for over 14 years. Mohammed Faisal Ubaid, from Denver Road, was sentenced to 14 years and two months at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday 5 March 2020. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
CCTV Catches Final Confrontation
Just a day before John Rimmer’s fatal attack, CCTV outside Ubaid’s home showed him aggressively pointing a finger in John’s face. Witnesses revealed John had been beaten by Ubaid before, bearing heavy bruises to his face.
The next day, CCTV captured John entering Ubaid’s house alone. Later that evening, police spotted Ubaid making calls before a man arrived shortly after 8pm, carrying John’s unconscious, battered body to his car. John was taken to Rochdale Infirmary but was unresponsive with a severe brain injury. He later died at Royal Oldham Hospital on 6 September 2019.
Blood-Stained Trainers & Murder Investigation
Police launched a murder probe immediately. Ubaid was arrested on suspicion of murder on 12 September 2019 after releasing CCTV footage of John’s last moments. Officers seized Ubaid’s trainers, stained with blood matching John’s DNA. He was charged with murder four days later.
Drug Dealing Connection and Motive Revealed
Detectives uncovered that John was working for Ubaid in a drug-running role, delivering class A drugs. Text messages between the pair showed coded language police recognised from drug deals. Investigators believe Ubaid suspected John of stealing drugs, sparking the deadly confrontation.
“John was a straightforward, honest man who shared love with everyone,” said Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin. “Ubaid’s relentless bullying and brutal attack led to John’s untimely death. After injuring him, Ubaid tried to cover it up using others.”
“Thanks to the community and brave witnesses, justice was served. This case highlights the deadly consequences of drug dealing and the impact it has on lives,” DCI Larkin added.
Ubaid’s sentence sends a stark warning: crossing the line in the drug game can end in tragedy and a lengthy prison stretch.
