A 24-YEAR-OLD man has today been found guilty of murdering 32 year old Ian Denham in Gloucester.

24 year old Abdi Said was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum sentence of 22 years.

A jury at Bristol Crown Court found Said guilty of fatally stabbing Mr Denham last September.

The incident happened at the flat of a friend of Denham's in Nettleton Road last September. His family say they are pleased there has been justice for Ian.

They said: "Ian was a good man and a dedicated son, father and brother. A lot has been said about him but he always tried to do his best for his family and he didn't deserve to have his life ended in such a brutal way.

"I would like to say thank you for all the kind words and wishes sent to our family. Nothing can make up for our loss but today's verdict means we can now try to move forward as a family."

DCI Ruth Mather is the senior investigating officer in the case. She says she is pleased with today's verdict.

"At the heart of this is a young man with a young family who has had his life taken from him in the most violent manner.

"I am pleased the jury agreed with our findings that Said deliberately killed Mr Denham. It is just sad that he did not accept responsibility and spare Mr Denham's family the anguish of this trial.

"I, and all the officers involved in this case, would like to send our deepest condolences to Mr Denham's family and I hope today's verdict brings them some solace."