Ipswich man Rakar Rahimi found guilty of Colchester murder

Rakar Rahimi, 23, of no fixed abode but formerly of Wellington Street in Ipswich, has been found guilty of murdering Bako Azad Sheikha in Colchester following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court. 

Twenty-two-year-old Sheikha died in Distillery Lane on September 12 last year after being stabbed through the heart. 

Rahimi, who was Sheikha's flatmate, was quickly identified as a suspect.

Officers from Essex and Kent Serious Crime Serious Directorate located him in Dover, arresting him before he allegedly attempted to leave the country.

Following a three-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, Rahimi was found guilty of murder. 

He will be sentenced on Thursday.

Rakar Rahimi has been found guilty of murder (Image: Essex Police)

Bako's brother Shaho has paid tribute to him following the trial, describing him as the "most loving and caring person".

"My brother Bako was murdered. He was killed by his best friend," he said in a statement released by Essex Constabulary.

"My brother Bako welcomed Raka into his home, gave him a job and introduced Raka to the Kurdish community in Colchester. Raka repaid Bako by killing him. I miss my little brother so much that I cannot find the words to truly express how I feel.

"Bako was the most loving and caring person you could ever have met and because of this he was extremely popular with anyone he met, he always made everyone laugh and smile, especially with his singing.

Forensic officers at the scene in Distillery Lane, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

"Bako was always busy, he never wanted to be bored and he would always be willing to help anyone he could. Bako used to help others through the charity RAMA which he volunteered at.

"Bako wanted to make a difference to other young people who had also fled their country due to dangerous situations. Bako was always so generous and such a kind soul."

He continued: "Our family will never be the same without our Bako. My mum and dad are truly heart broken. My Dad used to say Bako was our Lion. We have now lost our Lion."

After fleeing Iraq, Bako sought asylum in England and eventually moved to Colchester, before setting up his own business.

He volunteered at Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action (RAMA) who support those seeking refuge in the UK.

Shelley Braddock-Overbury, from RAMA, has paid tribute to Bako.

“He had an infectious smile and would chat to everyone. He was cheeky and charming, was often late, but always with a reason, and was a very polite and gracious young man.

"He was very grateful for any help he received, or help that others received who he brought to us. 

“He was open and kind. He wore his heart on his sleeve. He had his ups and downs like any young person, especially given the fact that he had arrived to the UK alone at such a young age and been through a lot.

"I always admired his strength of character and resilience, and I found him a warm presence in our offices. He always made us smile and we have fond memories. ”

Detective Chief Inspector Antony Alcock, Senior Investigating Officer in the case said: "From the start, our detectives worked quickly to establish what had happened and locate Rahimi, with support from other forces, to bring him to justice.

“Bako’s death had a devastating impact on those who knew him and it’s clear that he was a well-respected young man who wanted to help others.

“I hope that Bako’s loved ones are able to move forward and that today’s conviction provides them with some closure and reassurance that Essex Police will always work hard to secure justice.”