Kai Nazir jailed for life for Chris West murder in Cambourne

The heartbroken family of murder victim Chris West will remember him for his “good humour, kindness, big heart and selflessness”.

Mr West was stabbed to death in a brutal attack by Kai Nazir at the Monkfield Arms in Cambourne in October last year.

Nazir, 20, of The Crescent, St Neots, was sentenced to life in prison on Monday (September 10) and was jailed for a minimum of 26 years.

He was found guilty of murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place on July 19.

In a statement Mr West’s family said: “Today’s sentence marks the beginning of the end of a truly horrendous period in all our lives.

“Chris had his life tragically cut short in October last year in a brutal and unprovoked attack, the impact of which has been devastating for his family and friends.

“Time will never make this injustice any easier, nor will it change the fact Chris’s life was cut short just as it was getting started.

“The sense of loss and grief that we all personally feel is as nothing when compared to the sense of sorrow we feel for Chris, who as a result of this needless act, will never be able to achieve his goals and fulfil his potential.

“We and his friends will always remember Chris for his good humour, kindness, big heart, selflessness, moral compass and his compassion which made him an integral part of all our lives. He will always be in our memories.”

Nazir was at the Monkfield Arms in the High Street on October 27 last year, when at about midnight he was challenged to a game of pool by a man he did not know.

After Nazir lost, he stabbed the man, who is in his 20s, to the chest. He was confronted and restrained by the victim’s friends before managing to escape.

In the pub’s carpark, Nazir was confronted by three of the victim’s friends, including Mr West, 30, from Cambourne. Nazir stabbed Mr West multiple times to the back and chest before being punched to the ground by another man.

Paramedics were unable to save Mr West and he died at the scene. Nazir and the first victim were taken to hospital for treatment.

Nazir was released shortly afterwards, but the first victim was transferred to Papworth Hospital with life threatening injuries. He underwent surgery and spent several weeks in hospital before making a recovery.

Detective Inspector Lucy Thomson, from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: “Speaking to the family and friends of Mr West and reading their statements has been truly heartbreaking. A man in the prime of his life was suddenly, and viciously, taken from them. I know their lives will never be the same again.

“This case once again demonstrates the dangers of carrying a knife and the potentially tragic consequences of doing so. I would urge anyone who knows someone who carries a knife to report it. You could save a life.”

Anyone who knows someone who carries a knife can report it by calling 101 or visiting www.cambs.police.uk/report.