A murderer was captured sprinting down a quiet street with a Rambo-style knife in broad daylight in a chilling CCTV footage that shocked the community in Newport. The video footage showed David Sisman, a 21-year-old crack cocaine dealer, fatally stabbing 36-year-old Lee Crewe, who was unarmed. Sisman was subsequently found guilty of murder in Newport Crown Court.
During the trial, the defense and prosecution presented contrasting narratives of the events leading to the violent encounter. The defense argued that Sisman acted in self-defence, claiming that Crewe was dominating and aggressive. In contrast, the prosecution described Crewe as an unarmed and intoxicated man who posed no physical threat to Sisman.
The CCTV footage captured the murder on Chepstow Road, Maindee, with Sisman seen sprinting along the residential street after the stabbing, still clutching the large knife he used. Sisman later disposed of the weapon in the River Usk. Despite admitting to the fatal stabbing, Sisman maintained his plea of not guilty to murder based on self-defence.
Prosecutor Mark Cotter KC questioned Sisman’s decision not to provide an explanation for his actions to the police or the jury during the trial. The jury, however, unanimously found Sisman guilty of murder. The judge, Daniel Williams, announced that Sisman would face a life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for November 28.
The prosecution highlighted Crewe’s aggressive behavior earlier that day but emphasized that it did not justify the violent escalation that led to his death. The defense contended that Crewe’s intent to rob Sisman was evident from a text message he had sent minutes before the incident, indicating a possible motive for the encounter.
The court proceedings revealed a tense courtroom atmosphere as the prosecution and defense presented their closing arguments, dissecting the events that culminated in the tragic loss of life. Despite the defense’s assertions of self-defence and the prosecution’s portrayal of a senseless murder, the jury reached a unanimous verdict of guilty for Sisman.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the complexities of self-defence claims in criminal proceedings. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this harrowing incident, the legal system has delivered justice for the victim, Lee Crewe, and his loved ones.