Rochdale man jailed for 16 years after fatal stabbing on New Year’s Eve

Saturday, 15 November 2025 14:09

By David Murphy

A man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after being found guilty of the manslaughter of Alberto Ursu, who died following a stabbing at a New Year’s Eve party in Rochdale.

Hassan Suliman, 31, of Rothesay Terrace, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Friday 14 November after a six-week trial concluded with a conviction for manslaughter. He was found not guilty of all other charges.

The incident occurred in the early hours of 1 January 2025 when police were called to a disturbance on Essex Street. Officers arrived to find 38-year-old Mr Ursu with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to hospital but died shortly afterwards.

Greater Manchester Police said Suliman had been involved in a violent confrontation with Mr Ursu during a house party to see in the New Year. Both men sustained injuries in the altercation, and Suliman fled the scene before being found collapsed nearby.

Detectives from GMP’s Major Incident Team launched an investigation, during which forensic analysis linked the weapons to both men. Suliman was arrested and charged following the findings.

He will serve a minimum of 13 years in custody, followed by three years on licence.

Detective Sergeant Helen Hitchen said:

“This was meant to be a happy night celebrating the New Year but sadly ended in the tragic loss of a life. This case just goes to show the devastating consequences of knife crime and its lasting impacts on lives. A man lost his life and will never return to his family.

“Suliman is now serving time behind bars for his actions that night, and I do hope that this sentence brings some measure of closure to Alberto’s family.”