Ramone Cumberbatch was a member of a rival Moss Side gang

Ramone Cumberbatch, a member of a rival Moss Side gang, was shot in the chest in Rolls Crescent, Hulme, last year.

His 19-year-old killer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court.

The victim's mother, Bev Knott, said the 18-year-old was trying to turn his back on gang life when he was shot.

Mr Cumberbatch, a known member of the Doddington Gang, was visiting a friend in Hulme on 13 September 2005.

He got into an argument with his killer but ran inside the house, known to be on Gooch territory, when the teenager struck him with a handgun.

He had a son and a life and it was taken from him because these people never let go Bev Knott, mother

Moments later, two shots were fired and members of Mr Cumberbatch's family found him in the kitchen. He had been shot in the chest.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

A jury found the teenager guilty of murder on Wednesday. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Speaking after the hearing, Det Ch Insp John Piekos, who led the inquiry, said the result showed people were ready to stand up against gang culture.

"As we have seen today, this culture has resulted in the horrific and mindless killing of Ramone and it is time that it stopped," said Mr Piekos.

"People should no longer live in fear and, as this case shows, witnesses can provide information to police and not be identified.

"A successful prosecution has been secured today thanks to the courage of those individuals in the community who have decided enough is enough and that this type of crime must stop."

'Community justice'

Mrs Knott said her son loved and respected his entire family and called on the Moss Side community to unite against the gangs.

"In Moss Side it is so hard for young people not to get sucked in by gangs. Guns are on our streets. These youngsters have nowhere to hide. They need our help to get away from these ways."

Mrs Knott said her son had turned his back on gang culture and had begun to lead a settled life.

"He had a son and a life and it was taken from him because these people never let go," she added.