Teenage Murderers of Kamran Aman Face Court of Appeal Review for Lenient Sentences

The sentences handed down to two teenagers for the unprovoked, racist murder of Kamran Aman are under review by the Court of Appeal, following a referral to determine if they are unduly lenient.

Marcus Staniforth, 17, and a 16-year-old, whose identity is protected by law, were previously detained for life at Cardiff Crown Court. Staniforth received a minimum term of 17 years, whilst the younger boy was given 15 years.

Mr Aman, 38, was fatally stabbed through the heart whilst delivering groceries to his mother's home in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan. The attack on 30 June also involved a barrage of racist abuse as he lay dying in a neighbour’s house.

The court heard that Staniforth retrieved a knife during the assault. Mr Justice Griffiths described Staniforth as a “very dangerous young person” and noted the 16-year-old “instigated a deliberate, unprovoked, sustained, violent racist attack,” acknowledging his culpability despite his age.

Witnesses described the boys’ behaviour during the “relentless” assault as akin to a “pack of animals.” Following the stabbing, Staniforth washed the knife and his hands with bleach before both fled the scene, only to be apprehended a short distance away.

Staniforth's DNA was subsequently found on the murder weapon, and Mr Aman's blood was detected on both defendants’ clothing.