A 62-year-old Bradford householder will not be prosecuted over the death of a man who suffered a fatal stab wound during a bid to steal cannabis from the property.

Prosecuting authorities have decided there is insufficient evidence to prove that excessive or unreasonable force was used to protect himself against the intruders.

Shazad Habib-Ur Rehman, 32, died from complications five days after suffering a stab wound to the chest in an incident at a house in Beckside Road, Lidget Green, on October 20.

An inquest hearing in Bradford last month was told that two post-mortem examinations had found the preliminary cause of death of Mr Rehman, a motor mechanic from Sheffield, was delayed complications due to the stab wound.

The senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jon Hoyle, told West Yorkshire Coroner Roger Whittaker: “Three men, and Mr Rehman, attended an address, intending to burgle the premises and steal cannabis from inside the premises. The 62-year-old occupier is alleged to have stabbed the deceased at this point.”

Det Chief Insp Hoyle told the inquest the occupier had been arrested in connection with Mr Rehman’s death and was on bail pending further inquiries and advice from the Crown Prosecution Service as to whether he should stand trial.

Mr Whittaker adjourned the proceedings for further police reports and “depending on whether or not there is a charge arising out of these circumstances”.

It is understood police, and Mr Rehman’s family, were keen for the evidence to be placed before a jury for it to decide on any guilt in relation to the death.

But the Crown Prosecution Service has now confirmed there would be no charges over Mr Rehman’s death.

Peter Mann, head of West Yorkshire’s Complex Casework Unit, said: “After carefully considering all the facts, we have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to establish that the death of Shazad Rehman was the result of an unlawful act.

“We understand that this may be a difficult decision for the family of Mr Rehman to accept, and we have written to them with a detailed explanation of our reasons for not pursuing a charge of murder or manslaughter.

“The facts of the matter are that the suspect’s home came under attack at night by four unknown would-be intruders. The law entitles householders to use reasonable force to protect themselves against intruders.

“Even though he attempted to scare off the intruders, the men continued to attempt to break into his home. The defensive action that the householder then took to stop them, very tragically led to the death of Mr Rehman.

“The CPS has concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to prove that the force used was excessive or unreasonable in the circumstances, and for that reason, there is insufficient evidence to bring a charge of murder or manslaughter.”

The CPS is still considering a charge of cultivating cannabis against the householder.