Family of Tom Roberts pay tribute after murder verdict at trial

Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai, 21 and of Hill Street, Poole, was convicted of murdering 21-year-old Tom Roberts following a two-week trial.

The jury at Salisbury Crown Court delivered the majority guilty verdict following around 11-and-a-half hours of deliberations.

• Read more: Man found guilty of murdering Bournemouth DJ Tom Roberts in town centre stabbing
• Read more: Bournemouth murderer previously convicted of double rifle killing in Serbia

In a statement after the guilty verdict, Mr Roberts’s family said: “The family of Thomas Roberts cannot describe the loss of their son, brother, partner, friend in the tragic circumstances of his violent and unnecessary death. Thomas was loved by many people and continues to be loved in his absence.

“He was a bright young man with a sense humour. Active sportsman and loved his DJing in his spare time.

“He had a potentially fulfilling future to look forward to, whether that be in his profession of precision engineer or his potential in the military.

“Thomas was a normal kind person, who had enjoyed life. On the night of his tragic death, he was in town with friends having good time when he was suddenly involved in an incident involving a large knife that cost him his life.

"The family would like this to be a warning to everyone not to carry knives so other families do not suffer in the way we as a family are suffering now.”

• LIVE: Tom Roberts murder trial guilty verdict returned

Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai (Image: Dorset Police)

Abdulrahimzai will be sentenced for the murder of Tom Roberts at Salisbury Crown Court on Wednesday, January 25.

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