Two more men jailed for their roles in violent disorder during which 'dearly loved' Emmanuel Simon died in south Manchester

Two men who were part of a violent disorder during which a 'dearly loved' student doctor died from a single punch in the Rusholme area of Manchester four years ago have been jailed.

Today (Wednesday 21 February 2024) the following were sentenced at Manchester Crown Square.

Tashan Lawrence (04/07/1993), of Delamere Road, Manchester, was sentenced to 18 months. He was charged on Monday 23 March 2020 with one count of violent disorder.

Amir Zada (10/01/1996), of Kent Court, Rusholme, was also sentenced to 18 months. He was charged on Tuesday 12 May 2020 with single counts of violent disorder and criminal damage.

Emmanuel had moved to Manchester to study to become a doctor. In the early hours of Sunday 26 January 2020, he had been out at a wedding celebration before going to the Dubai Café with some friends.

At around 5am, a disturbance broke out inside the Café which spilled out onto Wilmslow Road with Emmanuel trying to be peacemaker.

During this disturbance Emmanuel was punched once to the head causing him to fall to the ground and immediately lose consciousness.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Emmanuel passed away just over a fortnight later on Monday 10 February 2020, and a murder inquiry was launched by detectives in GMP's Major Incident Team (MIT).

Detective Inspector Matthew Hamer, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: "The death of Emmanuel is a tragedy that his family and friends still have to bear on a daily basis four years on from that dreadful night, and our thoughts remain with them.

"Emmanuel had come to Manchester for a better life and to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor; all this was so cruelly taken away from him.

"Whilst these men did not assault Emanuel they did participate in large scale violence, attacking others who were around him whilst he lay unconscious on the floor. The jury rejected the suggestion of self defence.

"We have been committed from day one in ensuring that Emmanuel's loved ones are provided with the answers they deserve and I would like to thank all those involved with this investigation, including members of the public, for their help to secure this outcome."

Paying tribute to Emmanuel at time of his death in February 2020, his family said: “Emanuel came over to the UK in 2008 from Eritrea, east Africa. He had big dreams and aspirations to be a doctor and studied medicine at Manchester University.

“He worked hard while balancing both his job and his studies and after taking a gap year he had been accepted to join a university in Leeds to continue his studies in medicine.

“Known to his family and friends as Paulos, Emanuel was a gentle giant, easy going, quick to smile and loved life – he was dearly loved.

“Being one of nine siblings, Emanuel was from a large family and his loss will have a huge impact on every one of his friends and family.

“Emanuel was taken far too soon and in such tragic circumstances. He will be missed more than words can say.”