Death of a peacemaker

Fatally stabbed while trying to calm row over e-scooter on a night out

Roberts had been trying to act as a peacemaker when he was stabbed to death by knifeobsessed Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai.

A DJ in his spare time, he was working in the field of precision engineering, but harboured ambitions of joining the Royal Marines.

On March 11 last year, he and a friend, James Medway, had been enjoying a night out in Bournemouth when they encountered Abdulrahimzai.

After experiencing difficulties in finding a taxi, Mr Roberts and Mr Medway came across an e-scooter, which they joked they could use to get home. Mr Medway got on the scooter but was immediately confronted by Abdulrahimzai, who came rushing towards him being extremely aggressive.

Mr Roberts stepped between the pair in an effort to calm things down but was stabbed twice in the chest and died in hospital a short time later.

Described as bright and full of fun, his loss had left a gaping hole in the lives of those who knew and loved him, the court heard.

In a statement following the verdict, his family paid tribute to him and urged people not to carry knives.

They said: “Thomas was loved by many people and continues to be loved in his absence. He was a bright young man with a sense of humour, an active sportsman and loved his Djing.

“He had a potentially fulfilling future to look forward to, whether that be in his profession of precision engineer or his potential in the military. Thomas was a normal, kind person, who had enjoyed life.

“On the night of his tragic death, he was in town with friends having a good time when he was suddenly involved in an incident involving a large knife that cost him his life.

“The family would like this to be a warning to everyone not to carry knives so other families do not suffer as we are suffering now.”

Martin Evans and Will Bolton