Kai Nazir found guilty of murdering Cambourne man Chris West outside pub

The 20-year-old will likely be given a life sentence, the judge said.

A jury has found St Neots man Kai Nazir guilty of the murder of Chris West, a 30-year-old Cambourne man who was stabbed 12 times.

Nazir stabbed Chris West in the back nine times and three times in the chest, two of which were fatal wounds with one piercing the heart.

The incident took place on the night of October 28 last year. Nazir was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Daniel Berryman, who he also stabbed in the chest, and for the charge of possession of a blade.

After the verdict was delivered Judge David Farrell QC told Nazir to expect a life sentence. Nazir will be sentenced on September 10 and will remain in custody until that time.

The Trial

Over a trial that lasted more than two weeks the court heard how Mr Berryman was stabbed in the chest after playing pool in the Monkfield Arms in Cambourne.

Police say Nazir stabbed Mr Berryman after losing the game.

Mr Berryman, while giving evidence, was unable to recall the identity of his attacker. Mr Berryman’s blood was found in the right side pocket of a hoody that Nazir was wearing on the night, and on two phones owned by Nazir.

Following this attack Nazir was confronted and restrained before escaping.

In the pub’s carpark, Nazir was attacked by three of Mr Berryman’s friends, including Chris West.

Nazir stabbed Mr West multiple times to the back and chest before being punched to the ground by another man.

Paramedics were unable to save Mr West and he died at the scene.

Mr West’s blood was found on a blade, with Nazir’s DNA found on the handle and on the opening mechanism.

A pathologist told the court that the stab wounds inflicted on Mr Berryman could have killed him. He suffered a collapsed lung and was rushed to Addenbrooke’s, and Papworth Hospital hours later.

Nazir was arrested and taken to Addenbrooke’s and then to Parkside Police Station where he was recorded to have said: “I hope I can pin this on my mental illness.”

Mr Nazir has been diagnosed with ADHD and, at the time of the incident, he was prescribed medication for depression.

The jury delivered their verdict the day after hearing the defence team’s closing statement.

The starting term for Nazir’s life sentence is expected to be 25 years.

Detective Inspector Lucy Thomson, from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: “Speaking to the family and friends of Mr West and reading their statements has been truly heart-breaking. A man in the prime of his life has been suddenly, and viciously, taken from them because of Nazir’s actions. I know their lives will never be the same again.

“This case once again demonstrates the dangers of carrying a knife and the tragic consequences of doing so. I would urge anyone who knows someone that carries a knife to report it. You could save a life.”

Anyone who knows someone who carries a knife can report this by calling 101 or visiting www.cambs.police.uk/report.