Teen Jailed for Life Over Brighton Stabbing Horror
A 16-year-old boy has been jailed for life after fatally stabbing a fellow teenager in Brighton city centre.
Life Sentence for Armin Mehdikhani-Sarvejahani
Armin Mehdikhani-Sarvejahani, from Butts Road in Southwick, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday (2 May) for the murder of 17-year-old Mustafa Momand last October. He must serve at least 17 years before he can apply for release.
Mehdikhani-Sarvejahani’s anonymity order was lifted by The Honourable Mr Justice Constable, allowing his identity to be publicly revealed.
Stabbing Shocks Brighton Community
Mustafa Momand died from a single stab wound to the heart on 5 October 2023. Emergency services were called to Queens Road at around 5pm, where witnesses had been giving first aid.
Eyewitnesses saw Mustafa involved in a scuffle at Queens Road and Gloucester Road junction before he was chased towards the railway station. He collapsed outside the Ibis Hotel and later died in hospital.
Mehdikhani-Sarvejahani was seen fleeing the scene carrying a large knife. CCTV tracked him near Preston Circus before police caught him two and a half miles away in Bevendean. His clothes were stained with Mustafa’s blood.
Investigation and Aftermath
The teen was charged with murder and threatening with a bladed weapon. Following a two-week trial at Brighton Crown Court, he was found guilty of murder and making threats with a blade, but cleared of one offence involving an offensive weapon.
A 22-year-old man from Saltdean has also been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder but was released on conditional bail.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell said: “Mustafa Momand’s murder was a senseless tragedy. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. The community’s support was vital in this investigation. With proceedings over, Mustafa’s family deserves privacy to grieve.”
Chief Inspector Jim Loader added: “Mustafa was just a child whose life was cut short. His killer will grow up behind bars. We remain steadfast in fighting knife crime, educating young people and taking tough action. Sussex remains safer than many areas, but any knife crime is one too many.”
Report Knife Crime
If you suspect someone is carrying a knife or have concerns about knife crime, contact police online or call 101. You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
