Mum of Dontae Davis pays tribute to ‘loving and caring son’

Dontae Davis’ mum has spoken about how his death has devastated her family, describing the teenager as a “ray of light” and “loving son”.

The 18-year-old from Bishopsworth worked as a steward at the Memorial Stadium, had a job in a local pub and attended Empire Fighting Chance.

Dontae was fatally stabbed in Lawrence Hill on October 14 last year.

Kairon Sawyers, 19, of Ewell Road in Whitchurch, was found guilty of the manslaughter of Dontae but acquitted of murder by a jury at Bristol Crown Court.

On Tuesday, Sawyers was sentenced to nine years in prison with a further 12 months to run concurrently for possession of a bladed article.

Directly addressing Sawyers in a personal statement following the verdict, Dontae’s mum, Niquae, said: “You have not only killed Dontae, you have destroyed and broken the lives of all the people involved with him, none more so than his family.”

Kairon Sawyers, 19, was found guilty of manslaughter over the fatal killing of Dontae Davis – photo: Avon & Somerset Police

Niquae said writing the statement was an almost impossible task because of the emotional and psychological upset she has suffered since Dontae’s death, a tragedy that devastated his family and the wider city.

“Dontae was such as special son to me and we had a very unique bond throughout his life,” said Niquae.

“He was a loving and caring son who had great empathy and understanding beyond his years. He overcame adversity with his speech, behavioural and language difficulties, had always attended school and had worked since he was old enough to do so, despite being haunted and pushed into a dark place that he did not want to go by others.”

His mum explained how Dontae helped to raise his younger siblings and how significantly they had suffered since his loss.

Paying tribute, the teenager’s family said: “Dontae was strong, loving, caring, charming and a thoughtful son, brother, nephew and a friend to all. A young man of justice who always loved to do right for others and loved football, music and online gaming with his siblings and friends.

“Dontae was a ray of light with a distinctive cheeky smile, that would shine through any room he entered.

“He was a family-oriented person who was playful and loved spending time with his younger siblings. His heart was pure and his intentions were true and never half-hearted and we as a family are deeply saddened by this tragic loss.”

Sentencing, judge Peter Blair told Sawyers: “You took your knife, which was a high risk action that was likely to result in serious injury and high degree of danger, although you had no intent to kill.

“The aggravating factors are your previous conviction in 2019 as well as the disposal of the knife and clothing in this incident, to avoid being caught. The sentence is meant to punish you but also deter others in knife crime.”

In her statement, Niquae added: “A part of me wants Kairon Sawyers to suffer inside emotionally like I do every day, for his heart to break like mine has, for his soul and spirit to feel as hurt as mine, to feel the emptiness and void that cannot be filled and for him to be surrounded by an unimaginable loss and never ending grief.

“This world needs more good than evil. We do not live in a lawless society and there has to be a day of reckoning for those who do.

“I can only hope and pray that he will take the time to reflect on what he has done, the pain he has caused and come out on the other side a changed person who can add value to society, rather than to take it away.”

The scene on Hassell Drive in Lawrence Hill on October 15 2021 after Dontae’s death – photo: Martin Booth

Main photo: Avon & Somerset Police

Read more: Family’s heartfelt tribute to ‘young man of justice’ who died in Lawrence Hill

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: