A gangster who launched a brutal axe attack on an innocent tree surgeon has lost his bid to overturn his conviction. Mohammed Awais Sajid, known as 'Skinny', brutally attacked Cameron Brooksbank, then aged just 17, in Rochdale.

Sajid was acquitted of attempted murder but found guilty of wounding with intent after a trial and was locked up for 18 years in 2019. He tried to have his conviction overturned during a hearing at the Court of Appeal in London, after claiming that a witness who saw him holding a blood-stained axe following the attack was lying.

But some of the country's most senior judges refused the bid and Sajid remains in prison. The case was recently featured on BBC documentary The Detectives, which provided behind-the-scenes access into a GMP investigation targeting organised crime in Rochdale. It emerged that Mr Brooksbank, who bravely gave evidence in court against Sajid, has since died.

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The M.E.N. understands that Mr Brooksbank, 24, is believed to have died in 'non-suspicious circumstances', and an investigation by a coroner continues. He was attacked with an axe by Sajid following a ‘minor’ road rage incident, Minshull Street Crown Court heard previously.

Sajid launched a bid to have his conviction overturned during a hearing at the Court of Appeal in the capital earlier this month. In a judgement published today, Lord Justice William Davis threw out the appeal.

Sajid’s legal team argued that a witness who gave evidence to say that he saw the defendant holding a blood-stained axe in the aftermath of the attack on Mr Brooksbank was lying. A recording of a conversation emerged after the trial in which the witness claimed that his evidence in court had been prepared by the police as a ‘script’, and that he had been paid £10,000 by someone from the Crown Prosecution Service.

It was argued that the police had 'put him up to' giving evidence. However the appeal court judges dismissed the recording as 'unreliable'.

Lord Justice Davis said: “The suggestions made by (the witness) in the course of the conversation about the activity of the Crown Prosecution Service and the provision of a script by the police cannot be true.

“This undermines the credibility of everything (the witness) said on the recording. It does not undermine the evidence (the witness) gave at trial.”

Referencing the evidence the witness gave in court, Lord Justice Davis added: “Having read the whole of his evidence, we see no indication that he was anything but a witness giving evidence of what he had seen and heard. Equally, we could identify no point at which he appeared to be saying what others wanted him to say.”

Sajid did not give evidence at court. He continues to serve his 18 year sentence.

Mr Brooksbank and three of his colleagues had been working in Church Street, Newbold, on the afternoon of October 17, 2017. Sajid was summoned by Habibur Rahman, 27, who had 'took offence' at the driving of an elderly woman.

Rahman believed he had been 'disrespected' on his 'territory' and decided to enact 'swift retribution', calling on a mob of up to 20 men, some of whom were also armed. Mr Brooksbank attempted to calm the situation but was horrifically set upon by Sajid.

His hand had to be partially reattached after he was hit while raising his hand to try and protect himself. He staggered away and needed life-saving emergency surgery.

Mr Brooksbank then required a further five surgeries in the two years following the attack. Rahman, the instigator of the shocking street violence of Milnrow Road, Rochdale, was also found guilty of an assault charge after he used a knuckleduster to punch one of the other tree surgeons in the face, breaking his nose.

He was jailed for four-and-a-half years. His brother Zillur Rahman, 29, was jailed for three years for conspiracy to commit violent disorder after he admitted making phone calls to summon the gang.

Arsan Ali, 23, was among those he called and who attended the scene. He was jailed for four years after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit violent disorder.

The court case was featured in the BBC show which premiered last month. At the conclusion of the third and final episode, the audience was told that Cameron had tragically passed away earlier this year.

Mr Brooksbank's family issued a tribute to him, which read: "This has been the most terrible time for our family, but we are just one, of many, that are being supported by GMP, who are constantly being destroyed by these cruel, merciless drug gangs. Everyone can see first-hand how these members proactively target children into drug misuse and debt to become modern-day slaves.

"Also, the bravery of the officers who put their lives on the line must never be taken for granted; they have been so caring and comforting. Martin, Mark and their team have been wonderful, so we want to thank all concerned for everything they have done for our family and the wider borough.

"We thank them for their tenderness with Cameron who was only 17 at the time of the attack and the subsequent friendships that followed. People in dependency need medical and social support, but if you are a recreational misuser, please try to reflect and understand not only the dangers you put yourselves in, but also the dangers for so many others in the supply chain.

"We’d also like to thank the public for all the many kind words and praise for our special son and grandson, Cameron whose passing has created such a huge and painful void in our lives. As you can see in the episodes, we have been supported throughout by officers and programme makers Lou and Ben from Minnow Films, regardless of the successes in the courtroom they have carried us throughout this tragic and frightening journey.

"We will remain eternally grateful for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much for everything and the support you all continue to give us through this difficult period. We are extremely proud of Cameron’s bravery and that his personal story will hopefully help raise some much-needed awareness around this topic."