Jegir Assad, 24, gets life for the August 2024 murder of Tomasz Stankiewicz, 39, on Filton Avenue. He must serve at least 23 years.
Assad was found guilty of murder, and the court case finished last Friday, February 28. He received his life sentence yesterday, March 6, after a trial that lasted two weeks. The jury learned that Assad was home on Filton Avenue with three others before the murder took place.
Stankiewicz picked up one of the women and later returned for the other woman. The jury heard that he brought a wrench with him. This visit resulted in an argument between the men involved.
Stankiewicz was injured and managed to get back into his car. He drove a short distance before being forced to stop. His injuries were too severe, and he later died in the hospital.
A taxi’s dashcam recorded the incident, showing Assad with a knife in his hand. Police found the knife, which linked Assad directly to the murder.
Assad claimed he acted in self-defense that night. Prosecutors refuted this, arguing that he grabbed a knife and attacked Stankiewicz. He must serve at least 23 years before being eligible for parole.
Another man, aged 29, was present that night but was found not guilty of the murder. Stankiewicz’s mom shared a statement in court, expressing her family’s profound pain.
She explained that her son’s death created a void in their hearts. Every moment serves as a reminder of the life-altering event. The family experiences shock and grief due to the tragedy.
She described Tomasz as a son, brother, and father. His daughters lost their dad forever and will always miss him. As a mother, she lost a part of herself; her heart shattered, and words cannot adequately convey the profound loss.
She longs for his voice and his affection. Regardless of his age, he will always be her child. Murder robs dreams, hope, and futures.
It also took away her son’s happiness and destroyed her family. Nothing can alleviate their suffering, and they cannot recover what they have lost. Life will never return to normal for them, and they must continue living with a void in their hearts.
Police investigator DI Neil Meade also spoke, stating that no sentence can bring Tomasz back. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to combat knife crime, involving police, charities, and other organizations.
Knives significantly increase the risk of injury or death, and possessing one only brings danger. Assad’s choice to grab a knife cost Tomasz his life and also led to Assad losing his freedom.