Life sentence for killer of Asim Khan

A man has received a life sentence for the murder of Asim Khan in Cardiff city centre.

Asim Khan, from Grangetown, was 21 when he died after being stabbed on St Mary Street at around 4.50am on July 21 last year.

Momodoulamin Saine, 28, from Ely, was convicted by a jury at Newport Crown Court earlier this month and was back in court today for sentencing. He will serve a minimum of 24 years.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark O’Shea:

“Asim Khan was a young man with great potential who was much loved by his family.

“It was the actions of Momodoulamin Saine that led directly to his tragic and untimely death in Cardiff city centre.

“What emerged throughout the investigation and trial was that Saine is a violent, dangerous individual who took a knife onto the streets of Cardiff.

“And because of his own annoyance over something so trivial as a spilt drink, felt it necessary to engage in two violent encounters resulting in Asim’s murder.

“This case has led to the most tragic of consequences for the Khan family. Our thoughts are with Asim’s family at this time.

“I would like to thank the licensed premises who gave us access to CCTV, the door staff who tried to intervene and stop the violence escalating and the witnesses who supported our investigation.

“This tragic case yet again highlights the devastating and far-reaching consequences of knife crime, and I cannot stress enough the importance of loved ones reporting their concerns if they suspect someone they know is carrying a knife or involved in knife crime.

“Speaking out could, quite simply, save a life

Asim Khan’s brother Hamza Khan who was found guilty of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent to Saine.

The 24-year-old from Grangetown will be sentenced later this month.