Manslaughter verdict over fatal Bristol stabbing

David Malcolm is due to be sentenced on 17 September

A man has been found guilty of manslaughter over a fatal stabbing in Bristol.

David Malcolm, of St Marks Road, Easton, appeared at Bristol Crown Court earlier where he was found guilty following the death of Alex Mamwa on 5 March.

The jury dismissed the 43-year-old's claim that he acted in self-defence when he carried out the attack, but determined he had not intended to kill or seriously harm his 30-year-old victim.

Malcolm was acquitted of murder, but found guilty of manslaughter and possession of a bladed article.

He will be sentenced on Tuesday 17 September.

Bristol Crown Court was told the pair had a long-running personal dispute which, on Valentine's Day, resulted in an altercation in Grosvenor Road, St Pauls in which Malcolm sustained a cut above his eye.

The following day, Malcolm asked his girlfriend to buy him a baseball bat which he later combined with car parts to create a "fearsome weapon".

On 5 March, he borrowed a car and was seen driving around the St Paul's area for more than an hour until he found Mr Mamwa, and, during a brief confrontation, fatally stabbed him in the upper thigh.

Alex Mamwa's family described him as a "humble man"

'Horrendous ordeal'

Mr Mamwa was taken to hospital by a taxi driver, but died a short while later.

Malcolm was arrested that night and subsequently charged.

Detective Chief inspector Phil Walker, senior investigating officer from Avon and Somerset Police paid tribute to Alex's family.

"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," he said.

"I'd like to pay tribute to Alex's family who have gone through a horrendous ordeal over the past six months and who continue to process the events of that night.

"They have acted with incredible dignity throughout and, including whilst listening to the evidence in court."