Four accused of murdering Derbyshire man appear before magistrates

Mohammed Rasulii, 32, was charged with murder and threatening another with an offensive weapon – while Herish Zandi, 29, faces a charge of murder and possessing an offensive weapon.

Third defendant Sam Mohazeri, 24, is charged with murder and having bladed article in public place and Danyaal Panahi, 21, faces a single count of murder.

The charges were read out to all four defendants during a hearing at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court yesterday – however none of the men entered any pleas.

They were put after 22-year-old Peshang Sleman died following a disturbance outside the Co-op in Somercotes Hill, Somercotes, at about 1.40am on Thursday last week.

After police and paramedics arrived at the scene Mr Sleman was rushed to Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre – however he was pronounced dead by doctors.

A police spokesperson said: “His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time.”

Rasulii, 32, of Somercotes Hill, Somercotes, Zandi, 29, of Somercotes Hill, Somercotes, Mohazeri, 24, of Croydon Road, Caterham, Surrey and Panahi, 21, of Kelvedon Gardens, Nottingham, were remanded into custody following yesterday’s short court hearing.

All four defendants will be expected to give a plea to the charges they face at a plea and trial preparation hearing at Derby Crown Court tomorrow (Wednesday).

A message from Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor: Support your Derbyshire Times by becoming a digital subscriber. You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience. Click here to subscribe