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JAILED: Man gets 20 years for murder of Staffordshire University student

A convicted sex offender who murdered a Staffordshire University student after befriending her on a canal towpath has been jailed for life.

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David Marshall, aged 68, was given a minimum term of 20 years and six months after a court heard how he stabbed Eni Mevish, 20, through the heart, liver and lungs at her student accommodation in Stoke.

When paramedics attended the scene they found Ms Mevish in the street with multiple stab wounds, and sadly she died at the scene.

The 68-year-old, from Birks Street, Stoke, was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court today where he appeared via video link. He pleaded guilty to the 20-year-old's murder at a previous hearing as well as wounding charge.

Rizwan Bucari, aged 22, from Wolverhampton was also stabbed in the incident on Sunday, November 9, last year, and suffered leg injuries.

Miss Mevish, 20, was studying for a degree in Policing and Criminal Investigation at the university.

Judge John Wait told told Barrett, of Birks Street, Stoke, that he would serve at least 20 years and six months in prison for murder and a further two and a half years to be served concurrently for wounding.

Syed Shah, Eni's brother, aged 31, said: "Eni was a loving sister and daughter who was taken from us suddenly and violently.

"We are so proud of her achievements. She was beautiful, clever and had her whole life ahead of her. We are devastated by her death. Nothing can make up for that but we are glad Marshall is now paying for his actions."

Detective Inspector Andy Maxfield, investigating officer, said: "I want to reassure local residents and the student community that this was not a random attack. Eni and Marshall were known to each other.

"Through our detailed investigation we established that in the months prior to Eni's death she had struck up a friendship with Marshall.

"We welcome today's outcome and hope it brings some comfort to Eni's family.

"A dedicated officer works on campus at Staffordshire University and has been working closely with those affected by this terrible incident."

Speaking on behalf of Staffordshire University, Professor Andrew Jackson said: "Eni Mevish was a warm-hearted person and a conscientious, enthusiastic and capable student. She is greatly missed by all who knew her. Today's events bring that loss into sharp focus and our thoughts are particularly with her family at this very difficult time."

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