Levi Kent’s sister, Victoria Kent, shared an emotional tribute to her brother following his tragic death. Two brothers were sentenced to life for the murder of Levi Kent, a cocaine runner who was killed after refusing to give them credit.
In November 2023, Levi Kent, aged 22, was chased and repeatedly stabbed in Gosport, Hampshire. The brothers responsible, Aiden West, 25, and his half-brother Tommy West, 18, were sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court.
Aiden West was given a 28-year sentence for murder and an additional six years for robbery, while Tommy West received a 21-year sentence for murder, five years for robbery, and one year for possessing a knife. Tommy West had stabbed Levi Kent six times, causing fatal injuries.
Mr. Justice Bowes explained that the pair would only be released after serving their sentences if a parole board deems them no longer a threat to the public.
The court revealed the brothers planned to rob Levi Kent after he refused to defer payment for cocaine. They met him behind shops in Nobes Avenue on the early morning of November 24. Tommy West, armed with a knife, attacked Levi in his car, causing him to crash into a wall. The victim attempted to flee, but the brothers pursued him.
The chase was captured on nearby surveillance cameras. Aiden West could be heard searching for the drugs and telling Tommy to “Shank him up bruv.” Tommy replied, “He already has been bruv.” Despite not wielding the knife, Aiden West was found equally guilty of murder, as he was aware of his brother’s intentions.
Levi Kent died from his injuries in the hospital, with the post-mortem confirming six stab wounds, including one fatal wound to the heart.
In a heartfelt statement read in court, Victoria Kent said her brother was much more than just family: “Levi was so much more than just a brother to me. He helped me raise my children and never failed to make me laugh.” She expressed the deep pain caused by his senseless murder.
Levi Kent was found severely injured in Keyes Road, and six others were charged in connection with the crime. Among them, Peter West, 43, and Michael Figgins, 64, were found guilty of helping Tommy dispose of clothes after the attack. Sarah Flynn, 36, admitted to discarding Tommy West’s bloodstained clothing.
Levi’s mother, Joanne West, 45, and Liam Savage, 38, also assisted the offenders and will be sentenced later.
All individuals involved in the crime, including Mark Phillips, 56, who lied to police, are awaiting sentencing.
