Mother claims Autistic Son was ‘Controlled’ by Partner before Murder

The mother of an autistic man allegedly murdered by his partner has told a jury that she watched her son become increasingly controlled and frightened.

Nadia Younis gave evidence at Birmingham Crown Court during the trial of Imran Uddin.

Uddin, 33, denies murdering 24-year-old Ismail Younis, whose body was discovered at an address on Richmond Road, Hockley, Birmingham.

The court has yet to hear evidence about Ismail Younis’ cause of death.

Nadia Younis told the jury that her son was trusting of others and became increasingly vulnerable during his relationship with Uddin.

She alleged Uddin would take away Ismail’s shoes, smash his phone and monitor his movements.

The court heard that taking away his shoes allegedly prevented Ismail from going to work.

Prosecuting counsel William Boyce KC described Uddin as controlling and said he treated Ismail as though he were a child.

The court also heard that Ismail had contacted his mother saying his life was in danger.

He allegedly told her this after claiming Uddin had pushed him down the stairs.

Ismail would also reportedly ask his mother to speak while he was on the phone, helping prove where he was.

The jury heard that Ismail was diagnosed with autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder when he was 15.

He was prescribed medication to help manage his symptoms.

His mother said he became calmer after starting medication and focused on his studies.

She said he wanted to study biomedical science and described him as someone who increasingly trusted strangers.

When asked whether she believed Uddin viewed her son as vulnerable because he depended on his mother, Nadia replied: “Yes.”

She also described jealousy and distrust as factors that allegedly caused arguments and tension within the relationship.

The night before Ismail died, he reportedly called his mother and asked her to collect him from Uddin’s home.

Boyce told the court that Ismail appeared distressed but relieved to see his mother.

He allegedly hurried into her car and asked her to lock the doors.

Nadia also told police that Uddin appeared enraged while having teary eyes and asked her to pray for him.

The following day, CCTV allegedly showed both men outside Ismail’s workplace.

The court heard that Uddin attempted to force his way into the shop before the manager and security intervened.

Uddin later returned and left with Ismail, who had taken a late lunch break.

Boyce told the court that Ismail “wouldn’t be seen again”.

Uddin’s defence lawyer, Martin Rutherford KC, told the jury that Ismail sometimes experienced uncontrollable anger.

The defence claimed Uddin would hit back after allegedly being struck first by Ismail.

The jury also heard that Nadia had only met Uddin approximately one month before her son’s death.

She told police she did not believe the arguments between the pair were violent.

Rutherford said Nadia had described their disputes as “childish arguments” and believed they were simply bickering.

When asked whether she had ever seen Uddin hit her son, Nadia said she had not.

The trial continues at Birmingham Crown Court.