THE family of a man who was killed with a single stab wound have paid tributes to their 'fun-loving and amazing' son.

Zelous Smythe from Camberley was found with a single stab wound to the chest and defensive wounds to his forearm and hand in Nine Mile Ride on November 5 2018.

The family have issued a statement, which said: “We have not just lost a son, a brother, an uncle, a cousin or a friend, we have lost the most amazing person.

“Zelous could walk into a room and light it up without saying a word. He was a fun-loving and generous person with a zest for life.

“He would always help people and made sure that they did not go without. A kind heart that beats no longer."

Oliver Allerton and Victoria Quinton were jailed yesterday (July 12) at Reading Crown Court in connection to the murder.

Allerton was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years for the murder of Zelous Smythe, and Quinton was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for manslaughter.

Both Allerton, who stabbed Zelous, and Quinton, who was driving the car that collided with the victim and subsequently drove Allerton from the scene at Nine Mile Ride, knew that the victim was seriously injured and made no attempt to call the emergency services.

Along with the murder, Allerton has also been convicted of wounding without intent and possession of a knife in October 2018

The family added: "Zelous could walk into a room and light it up without saying a word. He was a fun-loving and generous person with a zest for life.

“He would always help people and made sure that they did not go without. A kind heart that beats no longer.

“We have been robbed of Zelous’s life and are broken as a family. Another young life cut short by another human being.

“The sadness we feel over the death of Zelous will never leave us.

“I pray that everyone thinks about their decision when it comes to picking up a knife.

“As there is a ripple effect that spread through the heart of family and friends.”