THE brother of a “loving and caring” Kurdish man who was murdered by his friend said his family’s lives “will never be the same”.

Bako Azad Sheikha, 22, was stabbed and run over by his flatmate Rakar Rahimi following a dispute in Distillery Lane, Colchester, last year.

Rahimi, 23, was arrested hours after murdering Bako as he tried to flee the country in Dover, Kent, on September 12.

A jury at Chelmsford Crown Court found Rahimi guilty of murder today (Wednesday) and he will be sentenced tomorrow (Thursday).

Gazette: Popular - tribute have been paid to murdered Bako Azad SheikhaPopular - tribute have been paid to murdered Bako Azad Sheikha (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Missed - Bako with his friend ZankoMissed - Bako with his friend Zanko (Image: Newsquest)

Following the conviction, Bako’s brother Shaho said: “My brother was murdered. He was killed by his best friend.

“My brother Bako welcomed Raka into his home, gave him a job and introduced Raka to the Kurdish community in Colchester. Raka repaid Bako by killing him.

“I miss my little brother so much that I cannot find the words to truly express how I feel.

“Bako was the most loving and caring person you could ever have met and because of this he was extremely popular with anyone he met.

Gazette: Killer - Rakar Rahimi killed his flatmate Bako Azad Sheikha in ColchesterKiller - Rakar Rahimi killed his flatmate Bako Azad Sheikha in Colchester (Image: Essex Police)

“He always made everyone laugh and smile, especially with his singing.”

Bako fled Iraq and dreamt of seeking asylum in England, finally obtaining official status after arriving in 2015.

From here he set up a small business in Colchester selling American sweets and often worked at a barbershop in the city centre.

Shaho added: “He was so happy and proud of himself for doing this.

Gazette: Probe - forensic officials probe Distillery LaneProbe - forensic officials probe Distillery Lane (Image: Newsquest)

“All of us were proud of Bako for starting a business so young, who knows where he would have taken his business, but I know he would have made it a success because he worked so hard.

“Bako grasped every opportunity he could to make his life, and others around him better.

“Our family will never be the same without our Bako. My mum and dad are truly heartbroken. My Dad used to say Bako was our Lion. We have now lost our Lion.”