Vincent Sparkes has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17-and-a-half years following his conviction for the murder of Neil Bambrick, a resident of Swindon.
Today, at Bristol Crown Court, Sparkes was found guilty of fatally stabbing Mr. Bambrick in Broad Street on July 11 last year. The altercation between the two men escalated when Sparkes, following a headbutt, inflicted a single fatal wound to Mr. Bambrick’s chest using a knife.
Despite immediate medical attention, Mr. Bambrick succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of the following morning.
Following swift investigations and local inquiries by officers, Sparkes was apprehended the same evening at a friend’s residence. Initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, Sparkes faced further charges of murder following Mr. Bambrick’s tragic demise.
Although Sparkes pleaded guilty to manslaughter, alleging the fatal wound was accidental, the jury’s verdict of guilty of murder rejected this claim.
In a statement following the verdict, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker extended condolences to Mr. Bambrick’s family, acknowledging their resilience throughout the investigation and court proceedings.
DCI Walker emphasized the sobering reality of knife crime, noting Sparkes’ admission of using the knife during the altercation as a pivotal moment leading to Mr. Bambrick’s untimely death. He underscored that Neil Bambrick would still be alive had Sparkes not been carrying a knife that day, highlighting the irrevocable consequences of such actions.
The verdict coincides with ongoing efforts to combat knife crime, with DCI Walker urging individuals to consider the lifelong repercussions of carrying knives.
Swindon has implemented five permanent knife surrender bins across key community areas, providing a safe and anonymous means to dispose of knives and bladed articles. These bins, designed with safety and security in mind, are strategically located at Broadgreen Community Centre, Pinetrees Community Centre in Pinehurst, Walcot Dome, Liden Library, and Meadowcroft Playing Fields. Additionally, a new permanent surrender bin was installed today at the Wiltshire Football Association HQ in Green Lane, Devizes, extending the initiative beyond Swindon.
