A man from Gloucester, Kane Kotwica, 39, has been convicted of murder following a brutal stabbing attack in a Gloucester flat that left one man dead and two others seriously injured. The attack, which unfolded on May 28 this year, was recorded on a doorbell camera and led to a tense three-week trial at Bristol Crown Court.
Kane Kotwica, of Bibury Road, Gloucester, was found guilty of murdering 53-year-old Matthew Cainey. The fatal stabbing occurred at a flat on Bedford Street, where Kotwica was present with Matthew and four other individuals. After an argument broke out between Kotwica and another man, the situation escalated when Kotwica armed himself with a knife he initially threatened one of the men with. The knife was confiscated, and Kotwica was asked to leave the flat.
Despite being asked to leave, Kotwica remained nearby for nearly ninety minutes before returning with a concealed knife. Upon re-entry, Kotwica immediately stabbed Mr. Cainey in the chest, inflicting a wound that proved fatal. Two other men suffered serious injuries while attempting to restrain Kotwica; one was stabbed in the chest and required life-saving surgery, and the other sustained a severe neck wound.
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The harrowing moments of the attack were captured on a neighboring flat’s doorbell camera, leaving no doubt about Kotwica’s actions. After the assault, he discarded the weapon down a drain—an act recorded on CCTV—but the knife was later recovered by authorities.
Armed police arrested Kotwica close to the scene. Investigators charged him with murder and two counts of attempted murder. Although Kotwica admitted to carrying a bladed article, he pleaded not guilty to the murder and attempted murder charges, asserting self-defense.
The jury ultimately convicted Kotwica of Mr. Cainey’s murder and two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent but acquitted him of the attempted murder charges. He remains in custody awaiting sentencing scheduled for December 10 at Bristol Crown Court.
Detective Inspector Adam Stacey, who led the investigation, described Kotwica as a “dangerous and violent individual” whose actions permanently changed lives. He expressed sympathy for the victim’s family, acknowledging their strength and dignity throughout the proceedings.
Mr. Cainey’s family issued a heartfelt statement following the verdict: “We are shattered by this tragedy. Dad was a cheerful and loving man, always putting family and friends first. We are grateful for the unwavering support from his friends and the hard work of Gloucestershire Constabulary that led to justice.”
This conviction brings closure to a deeply painful chapter for the victim’s loved ones and reinforces the serious consequences of violent crime within the Gloucester community.