Teen given life sentence for murdering man in alley

A teenager has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years after stabbing a 46-year-old man to death in an alleyway robbery.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday after being found guilty of murdering drug dealer Hamid Erfani in Cheltenham on 16 December 2025.

The boy, along with an 18-year-old who the BBC is not naming, robbed Erfani of cash, drugs and a mobile phone - which the pair previously admitted to - as well as being in possession of knives.

Meanwhile, the 18-year-old was sentenced to a three-year youth rehabilitation order for robbery and knife possession, with a supervision period of three years.

During the trial, Anna Vigars KC, prosecuting, said there was no evidence to suggest Erfani knew the 16-year-old, but it was likely the defendant knew Erfani was involved in dealing drugs and so "hatched a plan" to rob him.

The alleyway was not covered by CCTV, but the prosecution said witnesses confirmed the pair "cornered" Erfani, known as Mo, and both produced large knives.

The teenager, who was 15 at the time of the attack, denied murdering Erfani in Larput Place and claimed he acted in self-defence.

Mr Erfani's family in Iran said his death has had "a devastating emotional and psychological impact" on them.

On their behalf, a statement was read out in court, which said: "Since the incident, family members have experienced severe grief, emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, sleeping difficulties, and ongoing psychological distress.

"The sudden and violent nature of his death has deeply affected every aspect of our lives and has left the family in constant sorrow."

Sentencing, Mrs Justice Brunner DBE said she had to explain what had happened to the 16-year-old in "straightforward language" due to his age.

"The sentence that I pass cannot make things right, you did a terrible thing when you took Mr Erfani's life," the judge said.

She added Erfani "did nothing" to the 16-year-old, so it was not clear why he stabbed him.

"You will have to live with the responsibility of what you did for the rest of your life," she said.

Meanwhile, the requirements of the older teenager's youth rehabilitation order include a 12-month curfew.

He is also required to complete 240 hours of unpaid work.

Additionally, the 18-year-old is prohibited from directly and indirectly contacting Erfani's family for the duration of the order.

Speaking after the sentencing, Det Insp Adam Stacey, who led the investigation for Gloucestershire Police, said Mr Erfani was killed in "a vicious and callous act".

"It was a senseless and needless act that has robbed a family of their loved one and my thoughts are very much with Mr Erfani's family, friends and others who loved him."

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