News / Crime
Kunta Ceesay’s killer sentenced to life in prison for murder
Shakawan Siddiqi has received a life sentence for the murder of Kunta Ceesay in Easton.
Siddiqi attacked Ceesay with a knife on Stapleton Road on September 20 2024 with Ceesay dying from his injuries that same day.
A two-and-a-half week trial at Bristol Crown Court in April had already found Siddiqi guilty of murder, and he has now received a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years and 74 days.
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The sentence of Siddiqi, 32, of Wade Street in St Jude’s, also includes unrelated convictions for a wounding offence and possession of a bladed article from February 2024.
Ceesay had previously been described by his family as a “kind, bubbly and loving boy who always helped his family and friends whenever he could”.
25-year-old Kunta Ceesay died from a stab wound to his chest after being taken from near the Black Swan pub in Easton to Southmead Hospital – photo: family
Speaking on the day of sentencing, detective inspector Deb Hatch of Avon & Somerset Police’s 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 ten 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.”
Main photo: Avon & Somerset Police
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