Shropshire man jailed for over five years for manslaughter of Sam Siviter
Kai Sainz-Stafford handed consecutive sentences following fatal stabbing and separate wounding
A 24-year-old man from Shropshire has been sentenced to five years and two months in prison for the manslaughter of 35-year-old Sam Siviter earlier this year.
Kai Sainz-Stafford, of no fixed abode, was sentenced today (11th November) at Stafford Crown Court after pleading guilty to manslaughter during his trial. He also admitted to unlawfully wounding another person in a separate incident in September 2024, for which he received an additional 12-month sentence. The sentences will be served consecutively.
Just before midnight on 1st May, police were called to a property on Lambourn Drive in Shrewsbury following reports that a man had been stabbed. Officers arrived to find Sam Siviter had sustained serious injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services and members of the public, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The court heard that Siviter had visited the home of his ex-partner and found Sainz-Stafford inside. An altercation then broke out between the two men, during which Sainz-Stafford grabbed a knife hidden beside a sofa and stabbed Siviter three times.
Siviter managed to leave the property and knocked on a neighbour’s door on Lambourn Drive before collapsing. Emergency services were called, but they were unable to save him.
Sainz-Stafford fled the scene but handed himself in at Shrewsbury Police Station the following morning.
Detective's statement on the case
Speaking about the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lee Holehouse said:
“While the sentencing today will sadly not bring Sam back, I really hope it provides his family and friends with some kind of closure in knowing the person responsible for taking away his life will be punished.
“Although it has been accepted that it was not the intention by Sainz-Stafford to take a life that evening, this again demonstrates the dangers of a knife and how a single moment of uncontrolled behaviour can not only end the life of another but also have a far-reaching impact on the loved ones of a victim.”
Family pays tribute to Sam
Following the sentencing, Sam Siviter’s family shared their memories of him and spoke of their loss.
Sam’s mother and stepfather said:
“Sam was a 35-year-old with a zest for life.
“He adored his sons and always wanted to be a good dad and father figure. We will not let them forget how he loved them both.
“His passion for West Bromwich Albion and carpentry will live on in family and friends.
“He battled with knowing how loved he was and doubted he had the ability to be something special and achieve in life.
“Maybe that’s the special thing Sam will leave us with, a lesson for us all to strive to be better to ourselves and others and not waste a day of our lives.”
Sam’s father, stepmother, and friends added:
“Sam was a friend to everyone. He would take anyone who needed help under his wing.
“You would know he's nearby as you would hear him before you saw him. His energy was infectious, and he would light up every room, greeting everyone with a hug and his famous saying, 'up the Baggies.'
“The trial has highlighted many of Sam's struggles and difficulties he endured. But anyone who knew Sivo would agree that despite the challenges he faced, he was a hugely loving and caring man, and even a minute in his company would have you giggling.
“He had the biggest smile; the most contagious laugh and his personality shone through to everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
“We will miss him every single day, and there is a Sivo-shaped hole in all of our hearts.”