Sam Cook killer jailed for life

Carl Magigan has been jailed for a minimum of 28 years after being found guilty of murdering Sam Cook in Empire Bar.

"Madigan is dangerous individual, embroiled in a culture of violence"

Sam was out celebrating his 21st birthday back in October when Madigan stabbed him following an altercation on the dance floor.

The 23 year old had denied intending to kill Sam, but the CPS didn't accept his manslaughter plea.

Following extensive appeals, Madigan was arrested in December. Madigan was charged with murder and possession of a knife in a public place and was remanded in custody for trial.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Tivendale said: "We welcome the conviction and sentence today of Carl Madigan for the brutal murder of Sam Cook. Madigan chose to carry a knife into Liverpool City Centre and did so with the full intention of using it. Following a minor argument, and while Sam was being attacked by others, he struck a singular, cowardly forcible and violent blow to Sam's chest. Sam didn't stand a chance and despite the very best efforts of the emergency services, sadly died.

"It is clear from the evidence heard in court that Madigan is dangerous individual, embroiled in a culture of violence that would have been completely alien to Sam and he will now spend a significant period of time in prison for the senseless murder.

"Sam had only just turned 21, was celebrating his birthday and had his whole life ahead of him. We know there are no words which can bring Sam back, nor repair the devastation which this caused to Sam's family, his friends and all who knew him. I want to show our gratitude to them all for their dignity, strength and courage in supporting each step of this process, which has been heart-breaking for everyone involved.

"Today's sentence does however bring this part of the process to an end, and hopefully aids Sam's family and friends recovery in some way.

"Our commitment to tackling knife crime is absolute, and this case sadly highlights the very worst consequences of going out armed with deadly weapons.

"The communities of Merseyside stand alongside us in our pledge to do everything in our powers to educate and warn people, and eradicate this culture amongst criminals. Our parents, carers, schools, partners, colleges, youth clubs and sports clubs all have a part to play in spreading the message before we see another needless loss of life on our streets."

The family of Sam Cook would like to say the following words:

"Today is not about a trial, a verdict or a sentence for us.

"Today is about Sam who cannot be here as he was brutally taken from us in the most horrendous circumstances.

"Sam was kind, caring, well-mannered and funny. He also had the most infectious smile which we will never see again, only in our hearts and in our memories, which we hold dear.

"Sam was a young, handsome man who had everything to live for, he had such a bright future ahead of him. Instead, we have been denied the chance to see him develop through different stages of his life, all snatched away in a few seconds which has changed our lives forever.

"We have been handed a life sentence, which we will live and breathe for the rest of our lives.

"Sam's memory will be held close and dear by all his family, girlfriend, friends and all who had the privilege to meet him.

"In Sam's memory we would like everyone to support the 'No More Knives' campaign to help educate a new generation about the pain and anguish knife crime can cause, and hopefully prevent another family from going through this horrendous ordeal.

"We would like to thank the following people from the bottom of our hearts:

Merseyside Police; DCI Mark Tivendale, and the whole of his investigation team at the Major Crime Unit; our Family Liaison Officers, DCs Rona Roberts and Julie Bolton; the Crown Prosecution Service; the paramedics; the boys from Birmingham who helped and supported Sam in his last moments; the counsellors, our wonderful families and friends for their phenomenal hard work, support and love; not forgetting the numerous members of the public and others who have shown us such wonderful support and care.

"This is an amazing city, let's be proud of it and keep it that way, in the name of Sam David Cook, aged 21 years and two days.

"Gone, never forgotten, and always by our side."