Two men have been jailed for life after being found guilty of the muder of Rafaqit Kayani in Slough last year.

On August 30 last year, officers officers were called to Keel Drive at around 1.45pm.

Rafaqit Kayani, aged 24, from Slough, was found with serious injuries and was taken to hospital, but sadly he later died.

Following a police investigation Hassan Al-Kubanji, aged 22, of Peabody Avenue, London, and Riaz Miah, aged 21, of no fixed abode, were both found guilty of murder in a trial at Reading Crown Court which concluded on March 9.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Dejan Avramovic, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “These sentences bring a conclusion to a harrowing case in which Al-Kubanji and Miah have been held accountable for their violent actions which resulted in Rafaqit’s death in Keel Drive, Slough, last August.

“Rafaqit suffered a fatal stab wound to his chest, and despite the best efforts of medical professionals, tragically, he died in hospital.

“I know that no sentence will serve as complete solace for Rafaqit’s family, but I hope that the fact his killers have been brought to justice and will serve very lengthy prison terms offers some closure for them."

Returning to court yesterday (April 3) for sentencing, Al-Kubanji was given a life sentence and ordered to serve a minimum term of 23 years.

Miah was jailed for life with a minimum term of 24 years, with a term of four and a half years for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and two years for possession of bladed article in a public place, the sentences to run concurrently.

Miguel Parian John, aged 41, of Brecon Court, Slough, was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment today (4/4) after being found guilty of a count each of assisting an offender and possession of a blade/sharp pointed article in a public place.

Chief Inspector Dejan Avramovic continued: “I would like to acknowledge the tremendous courage of Rafaqit’s family, who have had to ensure many months of anguish while this investigation continued.

“No family should have to go through what they have done.”

Local Policing Area commander for Slough, Superintendent Lee Barnham said: “I would again like to extend my condolences to Rafaqit’s family and friends.

“They have suffered an unimaginable loss, and have shown great patience while we brought his killers to justice.

“Our commitment to our communities is that we will work every day, and tirelessly, to tackle knife crime.

“Police, partners and the public need to work as one to help end this scourge of knife crime and violence across Slough.

“We have always taken a robust approach to the possession of weapons in Slough and we are dedicating more officers to seeking those out who think it’s accepted to carry knives.

“Our message is clear. If you use or carry weapons, you will be stopped, arrested, charged and in some cases, face the prospect of being sent to prison immediately on remand.

“Our communities play a vital role in our efforts to proactively tackle violence within Slough. We need information about people carrying knives in the area. If anyone has information about knives or violence in Slough, please report it to us by calling 101 or by making a report on our website.

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”