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Man jailed for murdering 25-year-old with knife

Avon and Somerset Police A mugshot of a thin man wearing a grey jumper. He has dark hair, stubble and a cut on his nose.Avon and Somerset Police
Shakawan Siddiqi has been jailed for life for murdering Kunta Ceesay

A man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering a 25-year-old man he stabbed in the street.

Shakawan Siddiqi, 32, of St Pauls, Bristol, attacked Kunta Ceesay with a knife in an altercation in Stapleton Road in the city on 20 September last year.

Siddiqi was given a life sentence at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday and was told he would serve a minimum of 21 years.

Mr Ceesay's family described him as a "kind, bubbly and loving boy" who "always helped his family and friends whenever he could".

Shakawan Siddiqi was found guilty of murdering Kunta Ceesay in April after a two-week trial.

It is not known whether the two men knew each other but there could have been a dispute between them over a small amount of money, the jury was told.

The court heard Mr Ceesay visited Stapleton Road on the night he was killed and CCTV showed him picking up a bike belonging to Siddiqi which had been left outside a Post Office.

A fight broke out between the pair shortly after and within about 30 seconds Mr Ceesay had been fatally stabbed.

Siddiqi disposed of the knife and changed his clothing but he was arrested by police the following day.

He told officers there had been a fight but he denied stabbing Mr Ceesay.

Family handout A man wearing a red and black checked shirt and a black cap smiles at the camera.Family handout
Kunta Ceesay, 25, has been described as "loving" and "bubbly" by his family

"It is so sad for the family that Kunta was taken from us far too soon and he has been robbed of the chance to grow old, create his own family and reach his dreams," Mr Ceesay's family said in a statement.

"It's difficult to comprehend the senseless way that Kunta has lost his life and how difficult it will be for all of us to have to live without him.

"Whilst our hearts and lives will never be the same we, the family of Kunta, trusted the justice system and the jurors to make the right decision in this case.

"Kunta's life meant something and we hope that this will serve as a reminder for people to be cautious [and] lead with kindness and love in their lives."

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