A vicious attacker who murdered a Good Samaritan as he stopped to help an injured woman in the street has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 26 years.
Hassan Jhangur, 23, launched a brutal and unprovoked attack on 46-year-old Chris Marriott in Sheffield city centre last December. The devoted father-of-two had been walking with his family when he saw a woman who appeared to be injured and stopped to offer assistance.
A Family's Kindness Turned to Tragedy
Mr Marriott, a respected safeguarding manager at a college, was returning from a Christmas shopping trip with his wife and two young sons when the tragedy unfolded. Witnessing a distressed woman lying on the ground, the family immediately went to her aid.
"In a selfless act of kindness that defined his character, Chris Marriott stopped to help a stranger in need," the prosecution told Sheffield Crown Court. "This act of humanity cost him his life."
Fatal Attack in Broad Daylight
Without warning or provocation, Jhangur approached the scene and launched a ferocious assault on Mr Marriott. The court heard how the defendant punched his victim to the ground before delivering a fatal kick to his head.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Charles Street, but despite their best efforts, Mr Marriott died in hospital two days later from catastrophic head injuries.
A Life of Service Cut Short
Paying tribute to her husband, Mrs Marriott described him as "the most amazing, kind and caring man" who would "help anyone." Colleagues and friends remembered him as a dedicated professional who worked tirelessly to protect vulnerable young people.
"Chris died as he lived - helping others," his family said in an emotional statement. "His act of kindness reflects the man he was every day."
Justice Served at Sheffield Crown Court
Jhangur, of no fixed address, was found guilty of murder after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court. Mr Justice Griffiths condemned the "senseless and brutal" nature of the attack, stating it had robbed a family of a "wonderful husband and father."
The judge emphasised that the severity of the sentence reflected the gravity of attacking someone engaged in an act of pure altruism, sending a clear message that such violence will be met with the full force of the law.
