 Children as young as 13 were involved in the attack |
Three teenagers have been found guilty of murdering a 14-year-old boy who was stabbed in the heart with a sword. Paul Erhahon was stabbed in an unprovoked attack by a 17-strong gang in Leytonstone, east London, last April, jurors at the Old Bailey heard. Two more teenagers were found guilty of his manslaughter. The prosecution told the court that Paul was killed by gang members, some aged as young as 13, who wanted to "earn their spurs" in the group. Seven defendants, aged between 14 and 19 , had denied murder, attempted murder and wounding with intent.  |  He has obviously decided to stand his ground and unfortunately the consequences are very grave |
Many wore hoods and masks, and were armed with baseball bats, knives, swords and a bicycle chain when they carried out their attack, the court was told. Det Insp Mick Foote, who led the investigation, said teenagers on the estate were subjected to an atmosphere of "intimidation and violence" by gang members and Paul may have been seen as having disrespected them. "He has obviously decided to stand his ground and unfortunately the consequences are very grave," he said. Video recordings of news broadcasts about the murder were found on a mobile phone in the bedroom of one of the defendants. Laughter and the words "bang bang" could be heard in the background. An 18-year-old youth was also convicted of the attempted murder of Paul's 15-year-old friend during the same attack. A 14-year-old boy was cleared of all charges in relation to both victims. Sentencing was adjourned until 9 May.
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