AN EASTVILLE man who stabbed another man to death after a “long-running personal dispute” has been jailed after being convicted of manslaughter.
David Malcolm (pictured above), aged 43, killed Alex Mamwa in St Pauls earlier this year.
He denied murder and was cleared of the charge by a jury at Bristol Crown Court last week, after they determined that he had not intended to kill or cause serious injury.
However the jury dismissed Malcolm’s claim that he acted in self-defence, and found him guilty of manslaughter and possession of a bladed article.
Today he was sentenced to 13 years and six months in jail at the same court.
Avon & Somerset police said Malcolm and 30-year-old Alex had “a long-running personal dispute which resulted in an altercation in Grosvenor Road, St Pauls, on Valentine’s Day this year”.
Malcolm suffered a cut above his eye in the incident, and the following day he asked his girlfriend to buy him a baseball bat, which police say he later modified with car parts, to create a “fearsome” weapon.
On March 5, Malcolm borrowed a car and was seen driving around the St Pauls area for more than an hour until he found Alex.
Malcolm fatally stabbed him in the upper thigh.
A police spokesperson said: “Alex was taken to hospital by a taxi driver, but despite the efforts of medics, he sadly died a short while later.”
Malcolm was arrested the same evening and charged with murder by detectives from the police Major Crime Investigation Team.
‘Everything on standstill’ for victim’s family
In a statement read to the court today, Alex’s sister said “everything has been on standstill” since his death.
She said the “realisation Alex is never coming back” had cause the family trauma, pain and heartache.
The family said Alex moved to the UK aged six and before his death he had been planning to visit his mother in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the first time in 24 years.
His sister said: “Imagine how excited his mother must have been, to reunite with her baby after many years, to explore how much he has grown since they last saw each other.
“Knowing that we will never hear his keys opening the door at home, never hear his voice, his laugh, his silly jokes, see him do silly dances, never hear him say ‘ite, go on’ (which was his way of saying bye) again – we will all need to learn to live without Alex because someone was so selfish as to kill our brother, son, uncle, nephew, grandson, friend, partner, mentor, support system and anything else that he may have been to anyone in his life.”
‘Horrific impact’ of killing on family
Police senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker said: “David Malcolm’s actions that night tragically led to the death of a young man and the loss of a much-loved friend and family member to those who knew him.
“Alex’s family have spoken bravely and very openly about the horrific impact his death has had on them.
“The six months since his death, and especially these last few weeks during the trial sitting through the evidence, have understandably not been easy for them and they continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
“Malcolm is now beginning a lengthy prison sentence for his actions that night and I hope this gives them some comfort at what continues to be a difficult time.
“I’d also like to thank the community of St Pauls for their support, and everyone who tried to help Alex or who came forward with information for our investigation. This support was invaluable in securing this outcome and shows how vital it is in helping us bring justice for families.”