Man cleared of manslaughter over death at house party

A man accused committing manslaughter at a student house party in Hyde Park has been found not guilty.

Daanish Hussain was cleared by a unanimous verdict at Leeds Crown Court today.

Mwila Chitalu died of head injuries just outside a property on Ash Grove where an all-night house party was taking place.

The 30-year-old was punched and hit his head on the floor, but Daanish said he acted in self-defence during a confrontation after Mwila refused to leave the party after being asked.

The prosecution described Daanish as “blind with fury” as he dragged Mwila’s body across the road before kicking him.

The Bradford resident said: “If he regained consciousness within a short amount of time he is still in the street at the back of the house. I just wanted to get him away from the scene.”

When asked why he kicked the body, he replied: “I will have to put it down to the heat of the moment and the confusion and my lack of understanding of the situation. That is all I can think of.”