THE family of murdered Somerset man Mikhail Hanid say they wish his killers "no ill will".

They were speaking after Curtis Ford was jailed for 26 years for Mr Hanid's murder and his cousin Samuel Ford received 12 years for manslaughter, which includes three years on licence.

Somerset County Gazette: Curtis and Samuel FordCurtis and Samuel Ford

KILLERS: Curtis Ford and Samuel Ford

Mr Hanid’s family: “Samuel and Curtis Ford have been convicted of killing Mikhail. We wish them no ill will; they have taken someone’s life and will need to live with that.

“We would like to thank DCI James Riccio and his team for their work in bringing them to trial and the support we received throughout from our family liaison officer, plus Kate Brunner QC and her team for prosecuting the case so thoroughly and ensuring that Mikhail received justice.

“Also we would like to thank the people who helped Mikhail at the scene and the medical professionals at Southmead Hospital who tried their best to save him, under already challenging Covid-19 conditions.

“We would like to thank the people who came forward to give evidence and appreciate how difficult this must have been, as well as SARI (Stand Against Racism and Inequality) for its ongoing support.

“Finally we would like to thank all our family, friends and colleagues who rallied around us at this most difficult of times.

“Mikhail is at rest now, but his legacy will live on in all who knew and loved him.”

Mr Hanid, 47, was stabbed multiple times in Ridgeway Avenue, Weston-super-Mare, on June 27 last year after Samuel Ford wrongly accused him of stealing his bike.

He died in hospital three days later.

His killers were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court last week.