Kunta Ceesay was killed on Stapleton Road
25-year-old Kunta Ceesay was fatally stabbed on Stapleton Road
A murderer who killed a young man in Bristol last summer has been handed a life sentence in prison.
Shakawan Siddiqi was found guilty of killing Kunta Ceesay in Stapleton Road during an altercation on September 20, 2024.
Kunta, 25, died of his wounds that day after Siddiqi attacked him with a knife.
A jury found him guilty in April after a two-and-a-half week long trial and he was remanded ahead of sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, July 11.
The jury were told it is still unclear whether Kunta knew Siddiqi, but there may have been a previous dispute over a small amount of money.
Siddiqi, of St Paul’s, was handed a life sentence and told he must serve a minimum of 21 years and 74 days in prison. The sentence also includes unrelated convictions for a wounding offence and possession of a bladed article from February last year, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Shakawan Siddiqi(Image: Avon and Somerset Police )
Kunta was described by his family as a “kind, bubbly, and loving boy who always helped his family and friends whenever he could”.
In a statement following the guilty verdict, they said: “Everybody liked him and they would confide in him because of how open he was.
“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.
“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. We are so grateful for the work done by the police and prosecution in bringing Siddiqi to justice.
“We are happy with the verdict and although it won’t bring Kunta back, it has reinforced our faith in the justice system and the police.
“Kunta’s life meant something, and we hope that this will serve as a reminder for people to be cautious, lead with kindness and love in their lives.”
Candles and photos of Kunta Ceesay and messages of peace can be seen nearby where the young man, Kunta Ceesay was fatally stabbed.
Detective Inspector Deb Hatch, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “While today’s life sentence brings to a close the legal proceedings, it does not end the pain Kunta’s family have been feeling since he was murdered 10 months ago.
“The support they have shown to our investigation and throughout the trial has been incredible and their message of thanks is truly humbling for all of us who have worked on this case.
“We are pleased to have been able to deliver them with the answers they deserved to what happened to Kunta, while also ensuring Shakawan Siddiqi received such a lengthy prison sentence.”