Gloucester man sentenced for murder after fatal stabbing
Kane Kotwica must serve at least 31-and-a-half years in custody
A Gloucester man has been jailed for life after being convicted of the murder of 53-year-old Matthew Cainey.
Kane Kotwica, aged 39, of Bibury Road, Gloucester, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court last week, following a three-week trial where the jury unanimously found him guilty of murder.
Kotwica must serve a minimum term of 31-and-a-half years before he is eligible for release on licence.
Matthew Cainey was fatally stabbed at a flat on Bedford Street, Gloucester, on the morning of 28th May 2025.
The court heard that Kotwica had initially been asked to leave the property after an argument broke out between him and others inside. He returned about 90 minutes later with a knife hidden in his pocket.
When Mr Cainey answered the door, Kotwica stabbed him, killing him.
Two other men who tried to restrain Kotwica were also injured during the attack. One was stabbed in the chest and required life-saving surgery, and the other suffered a serious neck wound.
Kotwica fled the flat, disposing of the knife in a drain, but was arrested shortly after by armed officers nearby.
Sentencing and the judge’s remarks
During sentencing, Judge William Hart described the attack as “deliberate and cold-blooded.”
Addressing Kotwica, the judge said: “Matthew Cainey was a man with many troubles and challenges in his life, but he was a man who was much loved by his family and friends.
“You could have left the scene without violence, but you are a man habitually prone to violence and a loss of self-control.
“What you did to Matthew Cainey, in my judgement, was deliberate and cold-blooded. This was not excessive use of force in self-defence; you felt you were being disrespected.
“I have no choice but to conclude that you are a very dangerous man indeed. You didn’t care whether you killed him Matthew Cainey or caused him serious harm.”
Kotwica was convicted of murder and two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent. He was acquitted of the attempted murders of the two other men.
In addition to the life sentence, Kotwica received 14 years for the wounding of one man, 10 years for the wounding of the other, and 18 months for possession of a bladed article. These sentences will run concurrently.
Family tributes
Victim Personal Statements from Mr Cainey’s family were read in court, expressing their pain and the lasting impact of his death.
In his statement, Mr Cainey’s father said: “Matthew was cruelly taken from us without warning. Matthew had a different lifestyle compared to many others. I respected him for that. It was his choice and he always looked happy. Even when I last saw him, we had a laugh, a joke and a catch up.
“Each time I saw him he gave me the biggest smiles. It was those smiles which stopped me from worrying so much.
“Matthew was my only son and meant the world to me and his stepmother. The loss is immeasurable. It’s a loss not only to me but to his children, and to his grandson.”
Mr Cainey’s daughter also shared her heartbreak: “Losing my dad in this horrible way has heartbroken not only me and my siblings but also my son, who loved his Papa C so much.
“This selfish, horrible crime is not how his life should have ended.”
Police response
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Adam Stacey from Gloucestershire Police's Major Crime Investigation Team said:
"I welcome this sentence and I am happy that a very dangerous man will be behind bars for a very considerable time.
"The family of Matthew Cainey have been through an incredibly traumatic six months leading up to this trial, but have shown dignity and grace throughout it all.
"I am very glad that we can deliver some justice for them, and hope that they can perhaps now look to move on as they continue to grieve.
"I would like to thank my team for all their hard work in getting this result, as well as all the staff, officers and first responders who have been involved since the incident."