Jail sentence following Canterbury killing

A man who stabbed his victim to death following a violent confrontation in Canterbury city centre has been sentenced to jail.

An altercation occurred shortly before 11.30pm on 10 October 2024, during which Mohammed Nour Hgar armed himself with a knife and stabbed the victim in the chest causing catastrophic injuries.

Emergency services arrived quickly to the city's High Street but were unable to save the victim's life. Samare Gerezgihir, 23, died in the early hours of 11 October. 

Investigation

Detectives launched a full investigation and established through CCTV footage that Hgar had come into contact with a group of men in the busy High Street, before a violent confrontation began.

Both parties were known to each other prior to the attack, and whilst no specific motive has been disclosed by Hgar, it is believed that the victim and Hgar had an ongoing conflict.

Hgar then fled the city centre before getting a taxi to Herne Bay, where he was located and arrested at 5am the same day. He had changed his clothing shortly after the incident in a failed attempt to evade detection.

Sentenced 

On 14 October, Hgar, of no fixed address, was charged with murder. However, during a trial at Canterbury Crown Court, he admitted manslaughter on the grounds of excessive self-defence which was accepted by the court.

He appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday 4 December 2025, where he was sentenced to nine years in jail.

Detective Inspector Colin McKeen said:

‘Today’s sentencing reflects the severity of this senseless attack and demonstrates the dire consequences of arming yourself with a knife. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family who have shown courage and strength throughout the trial.  ‘It is my hope that this outcome brings a measure of justice and closure to everyone affected by this tragic incident.’