A 17-year-old from Bolton has been jailed for life for the murder of another teenager outside a busy Bury shopping centre last year.
King Sibanda, from Kearsley in Bolton, appeared in Manchester Crown Court yesterday (23 February), and was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of possession of a bladed article and the murder of Abdikarim Ahmed back in March 2022.
18-year-old Abdikarim was stabbed outside the Millgate Shopping Centre in Bury on Friday 11 March 2022.
Following the attack, Abdikarim – who was described as “loving and caring” by his family in an emotional tribute released at the time – sought help in a nearby bar and was given first aid by staff, but tragically passed away as a result of his injuries after being taken to hospital.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) a post-mortem revealed the cause of Abdikarim’s death was a large stab wound to the left side of his chest.
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Pathologists said the would “would have taken considerable force to inflict”.
Sibanda will serve a minimum of 15 years behind bars for the murder of Abdikarim, as well as being sentenced to a further 12 months for the possession of a bladed article offence – with judges ordering the sentences were to run concurrently.
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GMP has now stressed that “knives will not be tolerated” and people should “think very carefully about the consequences” of carrying a knife in a fresh appeal to the public.
“This was a senseless attack that resulted in another life lost to knife crime,” said Detective Sergeant Andrew Middleton of GMP’s Major Incident Team.
“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.
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“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. If you have concerns that someone you know or care about is carrying or hiding a knife, please talk to them about the consequences.”
18-year-old Abdikarim Ahmed was stabbed to death in March 2022 / Credit: GMP
The force urged people report anyone carrying a knife “for their safety and for the safety of everyone else”, and explained that help is available via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111, or through visiting the Fearless campaign website.
You can also report on the GMP website, call 101, or even dial 999 in the event of an emergency.
“The verdict 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,” DS Middleton concluded.
Featured Image – GMP
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Manchester United confirm Antony will return to training following assault allegations
Danny Jones
Manchester United winger Antony is heading back to training amid his multiple assault allegations.
Antony‘s case is still ongoing, with a total of three women coming out to accuse him of domestic abuse — chiefly, his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who was first to raise concerns surrounding his alleged behaviour — but his cooperation through the investigation has led them to revise their position.
Issuing an update on Friday morning confirming that the forward with be brought back into the fold until the situation is resolved.
A club statement reads as follows: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.
“As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed. This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
“As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
Erik ten Hag‘s side plays their second game against Crystal Palace in less than a week after beating them 3-0 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and while it is not thought Antony will be brought straight back into the team, he will be available for selection moving forward.
United currently sit ninth in the Premier League with three wins and three losses to their name.
Man jailed after ‘disturbing and terrifying’ burglary at young woman’s Altrincham home
Emily Sergeant
A man has been handed jail time after a “disturbing and terrifying” burglary took place at a young woman’s home in Altrincham.
The court heard this week how Jason Edwards, from Sale in Trafford, turned up to an address in the Lloyd Gardens area of Altrincham where two women in their 20s were staying for the weekend visiting their friend at around 2am on Sunday 12 August 2022.
After knocking on the front door while brandishing a large meat cleaver, the two women opened the door and Edwards proceeded to push past them to force his way into the property.
The 36-year-old then began to search every room, while still carrying the horrific weapon and shouting at the women.
He then left the property shortly after, and the two victims immediately called the police.
Lloyd Gardens in Altrincham, where the burglary happened / Credit: Google Maps
The victims’ friend – who lived at the address, and was also a woman in her 20s – was still on a night out when she was alerted to Edwards being at her front door by a doorbell camera notification on her phone.
After pleading guilty to aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article earlier this week (Tuesday 26 September), Edwards was handed a seven and a half year custodial sentence, as well as a further five years on licence.
#JAILED | Man jailed for 7 and a half years after ‘terrifying burglary’ of a young woman’s home in #Altrincham.
Detective Sergeant Jacob Corrigan, of GMPs Trafford CID, described the burglary as a “disturbing and terrifying incident” for the victims.
“The victims had returned home from enjoying a day out with friends, before being put through this ordeal, which understandably made them genuinely fear for their lives,” DS Corrigan said Edwards was sentenced this week.
“I am pleased that Edwards has faced justice for his actions today and will be spending some time in prison, where he will be able to reflect upon his poor choices.”
DS Corrigan also reiterated that GMP “will not tolerate this type of violent crime”.
Emily Sergeant -
24th February 2023 
