Teen given life sentence for murder in Cheltenham alleyway
A teenager has been sentenced to a minimum of 16 years for stabbing a man while robbing him
A teenage boy from Cheltenham has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Hamid Erfani.
The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted at Bristol Crown Court and will serve a minimum of 16 years.
Hamid Erfani, 46, was fatally stabbed in an alley between Larput Place and St Paul's Road in Cheltenham on 16th December 2025.
The conviction follows an investigation led by the Major Crime Investigation Team, resulting in the arrest and charging of two teenage boys.
The younger boy, 15 at the time, admitted to charges of robbery and possession of a knife.
Another male, now 18, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a knife.
The court heard that the teenagers, carrying knives, targeted Mr Erfani due to a suspected drug deal, demanding money and drugs.
Mr Erfani complied, also handing over his mobile phone before the attack turned violent.
The murder weapon was later recovered near Leisure at Cheltenham.
Mr Erfani's family from Iran spoke in court of the significant emotional distress caused by his death.
The 16-year-old was told by the judge he must live with the consequences of his actions.
Detective Inspector Adam Stacey expressed condolences to Mr Erfani's family and praised the investigative efforts of all involved.
"Mr Erfani was killed in broad daylight in what was a vicious and callous act by the offender," said Inspector Stacey.