17-year-old jailed for murder of teen stabbed to death outside busy Bury shopping centre

  1. Home
  2. Bury

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.

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.

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.

“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.

Read more:

“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