THE family of a 24-year-old man who was fatally stabbed during a large fight have paid tribute to him.

Joe O'Brien died after he was stabbed outside the Royal Oak pub in Oldham Road, Moston, in the early hours of Sunday, April 21.

Momodou Jallow, of Ashley Lane, Moston, was sentenced to life and will serve a minimum of 22 years in prison after fatally stabbing Mr O'Brien.

Within a statement, Mr O'Brien's mum, said: "Our Joe’s life was taken for no reason whatsoever.

"A life with so much left to do and cherished by so many.

"When a life sentence is given in court, I never knew that it was about the victim and their family and friends.

"Every day, every week, and every year, Joe is and will be on our minds.

"He is missed so much by so many.

"Joe was kind, funny, laid-back and loved his music. He loved his nephews and niece; losing him will affect their lives forever.

"Joe was one of the good guys; he carried a comb, not a knife.

"Words don’t describe what Joe’s death has done to his friends; all decent young lads who are traumatised for the rest of their lives.

"If a life sentence meant life for the perpetrators and a 10 year minimum sentence for carrying a knife, maybe no one else would have to suffer and the trend would end.

"R.I.P my gorgeous son and best bud."

Mr O'Brien's sister said: "I believe that justice has been served to the best it could be, by finding this defendant guilty. "He clearly lied throughout the case, as well as showing no remorse for what he and his friends did to Joe that night.

"I feel that there was not enough reference to the fact that Joe was not involved in any disagreement or fight until he arrived to pick his friend up; he had been stabbed two minutes after.

"Joe was a nice young man.

"He saw his friends hurt and got out of the car to defend and help them.

"If Joe had been anything but the decent young man he was, he would still be alive.

"Instead Jallow took the cowards route and stabbed Joe as he fell over.

"Joe would be happy with the support and love of his friends and family, as well as justice being served.

"Joe hated knives and people that carry them as there is only one intention when you carry one “to use it".

"Our family has been ripped apart and left heart broken by Joe’s death with every person trying to cope in their own way.

"Joe just loved to go out raving and dancing.

"He never caused anyone any trouble.

"Joe’s death is a tragedy that will never stop impacting on our lives.

"My mum will never have her youngest son walk through the door again and she will never get over that.

"I will miss Joe forever and so will everyone he knew.

"He will never have children but his name and memory will live on in our hearts forever."