A teenager has been handed a life sentence after being convicted of murdering a father by stabbing him fatally following a robbery in Cheltenham.
The then 15-year-old boy, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court on 27 July. The incident occurred on the afternoon of 16 December 2025, in an alleyway between Larput Place and St Paul’s Road.
Hamid Erfani, a man in his 40s, was confronted by the teenager and a 17-year-old accomplice. Both carried knives and demanded money and drugs from him. Prosecutor Anna Vigars KC told the court Mr Erfani was unarmed and complied with their demands, even pleading for the return of his mobile phone, which they did return as it was of no value to them.
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Mrs Justice Brunner DBE, who sentenced the teenager, described the stabbing as a “deliberate and unprovoked act of brutality,” carried out to assert the perpetrator’s dominance and to ensure his name would not be reported in connection with the robbery.
The judge detailed how the two youths, armed with “black blades,” had arranged to meet Mr Erfani after hearing from known drug users about his presence in the alley. Neither boy had previous dealings with him. They awaited his arrival, then proceeded to rob him once the area was clear.
Despite Mr Erfani’s lack of resistance, the younger teen suddenly stabbed him in the chest. The knife penetrated approximately 11cm, piercing his heart and causing fatal injuries. Both youths fled the scene, leaving Mr Erfani to die despite valiant rescue attempts by passers-by and emergency services.
The accomplice pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article and was found not to have participated in the stabbing.
The judge acknowledged the tragic impact on Mr Erfani’s family, noting he was a father with a teenage son and a partner, and lamented the senselessness of the violence.
In mitigation, Mrs Justice Brunner highlighted the teenager’s severely troubled upbringing, including exposure to domestic violence, neglect, trauma, and criminality from a young age. The youth had been under child social care supervision for many years and had mental health difficulties. He was also a victim of modern slavery linked to criminal exploitation.
Despite these challenges, the judge recognised the teenager’s positive progress during custody, including educational improvements, maturity, and finding comfort in faith. Social workers and teachers described him as polite, thoughtful and capable, expressing hope for his rehabilitation.
The teenager received a mandatory life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years. After deducting time served, the minimum tariff stands at 15 years and 101 days.