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A drug dealer who plunged a "large, Rambo-style knife" into the chest of a drunk man before dumping the weapon in a river will serve at least 24 years in prison.

David Sisman stabbed Lee Crewe to death in the Maindee area of Newport on 14 May.

Sisman, 21, who admitted dealing drugs on the night in question, stabbed the 36-year-old victim once in the chest, claiming he was acting in self-defence, but a jury at Newport Crown Court found him guilty of murder.

Mr Crewe's parents, Joanne and David, said he was a "larger than life boy" who was loved by so many.

Mr Crewe was stabbed by Sisman near Chepstow Road and he died at the scene.

Sisman then fled the scene and tried to cover his actions by ditching the murder weapon, changing his clothes and later travelling to Bristol.

Mark Cotter KC, prosecuting, told the trial Mr Crewe was "an unarmed and intoxicated man who was retreating" when the attack happened.

Tom Crowther KC, representing Sisman, said the attack had been self-defence and Sisman was protecting himself from Mr Crewe, who was "a roiling cauldron of boastful fury".

He added his client pulled out the knife "in the heat of the moment" and instinctively stabbed Mr Crewe, "a much bigger man", because he feared for his own safety.

In a statement, Mr Lee's parents added: "Nothing will ever bring Lee back, but this sentence will make sure that our streets are free of this vile coward David Sisman and hopefully make people think twice before they decide to carry a knife on them."