A man has been jailed for a minimum of 28 years for the murder of a 21-year-old who was fatally stabbed in a Liverpool bar as he celebrated his birthday.
Carl Madigan, 22, was jailed for life at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday for the murder of Sam Cook, Merseyside Police said.
The court heard Madigan had a knife hidden in his sock when he went into the Empire Bar on Seel Street on October 21 last year.
He stabbed Mr Cook after a minor altercation and later disposed of the knife in a drain.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Tivendale said: “It is clear from the evidence heard in court that Madigan is a 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.”
Madigan pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a knife but was found guilty of murder following a trial.
Senior crown prosecutor Nicky Inskip said: “Madigan was caught on CCTV disposing of the knife and was also seen to re-enact the killing to his friends in the hours following the tragedy – clearly boasting about what he had done.”
In a statement, the family of Mr Cook, from Crosby, said: “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.
“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.”
