A man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter after a fatal stabbing in Canterbury that claimed the life of 23-year-old Samare Gerezgihir.

Mohammed Nour Hgar, 32, admitted to killing Mr Gerezgihir in the early hours of 11 October 2024 following a late-night altercation in a courtyard off the High Street. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene but were unable to save the victim, who died from a stab wound to the chest.

Detectives from Kent Police launched a rapid investigation and arrested Hgar in Herne Bay just hours later. CCTV footage showed him and another man leaving the city centre shortly after the attack and taking a taxi to Herne Bay, where Hgar was located around 5am. He had changed his clothes in an apparent effort to evade detection.

The confrontation that led to the stabbing began shortly before 11.30pm on 10 October when Hgar and another man encountered Mr Gerezgihir and a group of people on Canterbury High Street. During a brief but violent altercation, Hgar drew a knife and inflicted a fatal wound.

Originally charged with murder, Hgar instead pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of excessive self-defence during a trial at Canterbury Crown Court. He will be sentenced later this year.

A second man who had also faced a murder charge was cleared after no further evidence was presented against him.

Detective Inspector Colin McKeen, the senior investigating officer, said:

“This case illustrates the fatal consequences of arming yourself with a knife during a dispute. A man has lost his life and another is facing a lengthy term in prison.

I am pleased we were quickly able to identify the perpetrator of this terrible offence, who has now been brought to justice.”

The sentencing date for Hgar has yet to be confirmed.

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