A Cambridge man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of the murder of 20-year-old Saudi student Mohammed Algasim in what prosecutors described as a completely unprovoked and senseless attack.
Chas Corrigan, 22, was ordered to serve a minimum term of 22 years and six months before becoming eligible for parole.
The Attack
On the evening of 1 August 2025, Mohammed Algasim was spending time with friends outside student accommodation near Cambridge railway station. Mohammed had travelled from Saudi Arabia to Cambridge to study English as part of a 10-week educational programme and hoped to continue his studies in the future.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Corrigan had been drinking alcohol and taking cocaine before the incident. He approached Mohammed and his friends before briefly leaving the area. Moments later, he returned carrying a kitchen knife.
Following a short exchange, Mohammed attempted to flee, but Corrigan chased him and stabbed him in the neck. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and members of the public attempted to assist, but Mohammed suffered catastrophic injuries and died shortly afterwards.
Court Proceedings
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Mohammed had done nothing to provoke the attack and that there was no previous connection between the victim and his killer.
Corrigan claimed he acted in self-defence and told jurors he had only intended to scare Mohammed by brandishing the knife. However, the prosecution rejected this account, describing the killing as a deliberate and unjustified act of violence.
After hearing all the evidence, the jury found Corrigan guilty of murder.
Sentencing
At Cambridge Crown Court, the judge sentenced Corrigan to life imprisonment, ordering that he serve a minimum of 22 years and six months before he can be considered for release.
The court heard that Corrigan’s consumption of alcohol and cocaine played a significant role in the events leading up to the attack, but this did not lessen his responsibility for the murder.
Family’s Heartbreak
Mohammed’s family described him as a kind, ambitious and hardworking young man with a bright future ahead of him.
They said he had travelled thousands of miles from home in pursuit of education and opportunity. Relatives spoke of their devastation at losing a beloved son and brother, describing the impact of his death as unimaginable.
Family members told the court that Mohammed was known for his generosity, positive attitude and determination to succeed. They said his loss had left a permanent void in their lives.
Community Shock
The killing sent shockwaves through Cambridge and beyond, with many expressing sadness that a young student seeking a better future became the victim of a random act of violence.
Police described the attack as a tragic and senseless crime and praised witnesses who assisted the investigation and helped bring the offender to justice.
Remembering Mohammed
Friends and family have said they want Mohammed Algasim to be remembered for the life he lived rather than the way he died.
He arrived in the United Kingdom with dreams of building a successful future through education. Those who knew him remember a respectful, caring and ambitious young man whose life was cut short far too soon.
The life sentence handed down to Chas Corrigan brings an end to the criminal proceedings, but for Mohammed’s family, the pain of his loss will remain for years to come.
