Convicted Drug Dealer Sentenced for Fatal Stabbing

A drug dealer has been sentenced to a minimum of 24 years in prison after fatally stabbing a man in the chest with a “large, Rambo-style knife” and subsequently disposing of the weapon in a river. David Sisman, 21, killed Lee Crewe in Newport’s Maindee area on 14 May. Sisman, who confessed to drug dealing on the night of the incident, stabbed the 36-year-old victim once in the chest. Despite his claim of self-defence, a jury at Newport Crown Court convicted him of murder. Joanne and David, Mr Crewe’s parents, described him as a “larger than life boy” who was loved by many. Mr Crewe was stabbed by Sisman close to Chepstow Road and succumbed to his injuries at the location. Sisman subsequently fled, attempting to conceal his involvement by discarding the weapon, changing his attire, and later journeying to Bristol. During the trial, prosecutor Mark Cotter KC stated that Mr Crewe was “an unarmed and intoxicated man who was retreating” at the time of the assault. Tom Crowther KC, representing Sisman, argued that the incident was an act of self-defence, asserting that Sisman was protecting himself from Mr Crewe, whom he described as “a roiling cauldron of boastful fury”. He further stated that his client drew the knife “in the heat of the moment” and instinctively stabbed Mr Crewe, “a much bigger man”, out of concern for his personal safety. In a statement, Mr Crewe’s parents commented: “Nothing will ever bring Lee back, but this sentence will make sure that our streets are free of this vile coward David Sisman and hopefully make people think twice before they decide to carry a knife on them.”