Why is Amaan Khan in prison?
Last reviewed: June 2026
Amaan Khan was convicted following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, so the conviction can be stated as fact. He was one of four men dealt with for the killing, which West Midlands Police linked to a dispute between rival groups.
What happened
On 17 March 2025, Mohammed Khan, 22, was attacked on Bloxwich Road, Walsall, suffering catastrophic injuries from which he later died in hospital. The court heard that Amaan Khan had been parked nearby when the victim arrived and went on to kick him once to the upper body or head. The jury accepted that his involvement was less central than that of the other defendants: he was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter.
The three men convicted of murder received much longer sentences. Zain Raja, 23, was jailed for 18 years, while his brothers, twins Asad and Hassan Iftakhar, both 34, received life sentences with minimum terms of 22 and 18 years. Amaan Khan, as the only defendant convicted of manslaughter rather than murder, was sentenced to eight years.
The case at a glance
| Defendant | Conviction | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Amaan Khan, 22 | Manslaughter | 8 years |
| Zain Raja, 23 | Murder | 18 years |
| Asad Iftakhar, 34 | Murder + knife possession | Life, minimum 22 years |
| Hassan Iftakhar, 34 | Murder + knife possession | Life, minimum 18 years |
| Victim | Mohammed Khan, 22 | Died of his injuries |
- “Manslaughter and murder are the same thing.” They are not. Murder requires an intention to kill or cause really serious harm; manslaughter covers unlawful killings without that level of intent. That difference is why Amaan Khan’s sentence is much shorter than his co-defendants’.
- “He was acquitted, so he shouldn’t be in prison.” He was acquitted only of murder. He was convicted of manslaughter, which is itself a very serious offence carrying a substantial sentence.
- “A smaller role means no real punishment.” Even a lesser part in a fatal attack can result in years in custody, as this eight-year sentence shows.
How long will Amaan Khan serve?
An eight-year term for manslaughter is a determinate (fixed-length) sentence. Under the Sentencing Act 2026, in force since 22 March 2026, many prisoners serving standard determinate sentences can earn release after serving around a third of the term through the “earned progression” model, subject to behaviour, with the rest served on licence in the community. The precise release point depends on the type of sentence and how the rules apply, and remand time normally counts towards it. The clearest official explanation is the Government’s guidance on how sentences are served.
Understanding murder versus manslaughter
This case is a useful illustration of how the same incident can produce different verdicts for different people. The Crown Prosecution Service explains the distinction between murder and manslaughter in plain terms. If you have a family member affected by a case like this, our founder Daniel Hockey writes about prison life from first-hand experience on his page, and our guide to contacting someone in prison explains how to stay in touch.
Frequently asked questions
What was Amaan Khan convicted of?
Manslaughter, over the death of Mohammed Khan in Walsall. He was acquitted of murder.
How long is his sentence?
Eight years’ imprisonment.
Why is his sentence shorter than the others?
Because he was convicted of manslaughter, not murder, reflecting his smaller role in the attack.
Who were the other defendants?
Zain Raja (18 years) and twins Asad and Hassan Iftakhar (life sentences), all convicted of murder.
Which prison is he in?
His specific prison has not been publicly confirmed; we do not state a location as fact unless officially reported.
Sources include West Midlands Police and court reporting. Accurate at the time of review (June 2026).
