Man guilty of murder after bus stop stabbing

A 19-year-old man has been found guilty of murder after fatally stabbing another man at a bus stop.

Mustafa Ali, from Fishponds, was convicted of murdering 47-year-old Leon Phillips following a majority verdict by a jury at Bristol Crown Court earlier.

Avon and Somerset Police said Ali was with four other males when he stabbed Phillips outside Maliks Supermarket on Stapleton Road on 2 February. Phillips died in hospital on 3 February.

Det ch insp Lucy Edgeworth said the case was a "stark reminder of the devastating impact that knife carrying can have on individuals, families and communities".

"What may start as a perceived means of protection can quickly lead to irreversible consequences," she said.

"Behind every incident of knife crime is a family who has lost a loved one and communities that have suffered lasting harm," she added.

Police said Phillips approached the group of five men, including Ali, while cycling with another man.

Prosecutor Andrew Langdon KC told the court Phillips was then immediately pushed and stabbed by Ali, causing him to fall from his bicycle.

The attack was captured on several CCTV cameras, with footage played to the jury showing Phillips crying out.

The force said officers were travelling through the area to attend another incident when they came across the scene and stopped to help.

Phillips suffered stab wounds to his abdomen, upper right thigh and buttock and later died in hospital.

The knife used in the attack was later found in a nearby alleyway, with CCTV footage showing Ali throwing it away as he fled.

Ali was later arrested along with four other males aged between 18 and 20.

All were initially charged with murder but proceedings against the other four were later discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Ali will remain in custody until his sentencing at Bristol Crown Court at a later date.

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