Bury: Police warn of knife dangers after teen jailed for murder

King Sibanda stabbed Abdikarim Ahmed in Bury town centre on Friday, March 11 last year during an altercation.

At Manchester Crown Court on Thursday, the 17-year-old was given a life sentence and told he must serve a minimum of 15 years before he is eligible for release.

The court heard he had not planned to kill Mr Ahmed, aged 18, but had taken a knife to the scene and had stabbed his arm after being struck.

Abdikarim Ahmed (Image: Greater Manchester Police)

Sibanda, of Beech Avenue, Kearsley, had previously been convicted of having a knife in public and had been sent on a course to raise awareness of this.

He was found guilty of murder following a trial and admitted possession of a knife on the same day.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Middleton of Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Major Incident Team urged people to think about the consequences of carrying a knife following the sentencing.

He said “Firstly I would also like to extend my condolences to Abdikarim’s loved ones who have had to cope with his loss in horrific circumstances.

"The verdict today (Thursday) cannot bring Abdikarim back but I hope it brings some reassurance to know that the offender is behind bars and facing justice for his actions which have brought pain and suffering to a loving family.

"I would like to thank the perseverance and determination of GMP's Major Incident Team along with the VERA unit within the Serious Crimes Division, who worked together to review hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and build the case against the 17-year-old offender.

"I'd also like to thank GMP Bury's district staff who were on hand to help in the early stages of the investigation and the bravery of witnesses who came forwards and gave information that helped identify the killer.

"It was a senseless attack that resulted in another life lost to knife crime.

"Knives will not be tolerated on the streets of Greater Manchester and GMP will continue to actively pursue those involved in knife crime to make our communities safer.

"There are no positives to carrying a knife and I would urge anyone who might be carrying a knife or thinking of carrying a knife to think very carefully about the consequences."

He added: "If you have concerns that someone you know or care about is carrying or hiding a knife, please talk to them about the consequences. Help is available via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the Fearless campaign website, https://www.fearless.org/en/give-info.

"Please also report anyone carrying a knife to GMP for their safety and for the safety of everyone else. You can talk to us via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk or call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency."