MOHAMMED DIAKITE SENTENCED FOR MURDERING N'TAYA CLEVERLEY-ELLIOTT IN LIVERPOOL'S WAVERTREE

Mohammed Diakite, also known by the alias Nigel, has been found guilty of the brutal murder of his partner, N'Taya Cleverley-Elliott, in the Liverpool neighborhood of Wavertree. The conviction comes after a detailed two-week trial during which the court heard how Diakite strangled Ms. Cleverley-Elliott inside their shared residence. The police described the attack as 'senseless,' emphasizing the tragic and unnecessary loss of life.

At the time of the incident, Diakite was only 19 years old. Initially, he denied any involvement in her death, but the evidence presented during the trial led to his conviction. The judge at Liverpool Crown Court sentenced him to life imprisonment, setting a minimum term of 19 years before he could be considered for parole. This severe sentence underscores the gravity of the crime and the court's stance on domestic violence cases.

The Crown Prosecution Service revealed that Ms. Cleverley-Elliott was attempting to leave the abusive relationship. She was preparing to move into a new apartment on the very day she was killed, a fact that highlights her desire to escape the cycle of violence. On the morning of her death, Diakite was seen making frantic phone calls to friends and a support worker, which police interpreted as signs of his distress and possible remorse or agitation.

When authorities arrived at the scene, they discovered her body lying under a duvet on a bed. Beside her, their four-month-old baby was found sleeping peacefully in a cot, adding a heartbreaking dimension to the tragedy. Following the incident, Diakite fled the scene in a taxi. He was later apprehended at police headquarters after being brought there by a friend. During questioning, he claimed to have no memory of the events that transpired that night.

Family members of Ms. Cleverley-Elliott expressed profound grief and anger over her loss. Her sister described her as brave, strong, and fearless, emphasizing her resilience and the inspiration she provided. She stated, 'Although my younger sister, she grew to be and remains my inspiration. N’Taya was brave, strong, fearless. Everything her little girl will grow up to be.' The case has once again brought attention to the devastating impact of domestic violence, highlighting the tragic consequences when relationships turn deadly.

Mohammed Diakite is now serving a lengthy prison sentence in connection with her murder, a stark reminder of the importance of addressing domestic abuse and protecting vulnerable individuals in communities like Liverpool.