A jury at the Old Bailey took less than five hours to find 34-year-old Peter Hutchinson guilty of the murder of Jason Phillips.

The singer wept and comforted their mother Cherry as Hutchinson was led away to begin his sentence.

The court was told that Mr Phillips, a 22-year-old postman, was gunned down in the street in south London on Valentine's Day last year.

This case clearly illustrates the danger and the tragedies guns bring to our streets

Judge Ann Goddard

Hutchinson went after him when he tried to run away and shot him in the street in Shirley, near Croydon.

He died in the arms of his partner Michelle Brooks, with whom he had two children.

Prosecutor Jonathan Laidlaw said Hutchinson, from Croydon in Surrey, had tried unsuccessfully to "pick up" Miss Brooks.

When Mr Phillips went to see him about his behaviour, Hutchinson confronted him with a loaded revolver.

Sentencing Hutchinson, Judge Ann Goddard said: "This case clearly illustrates the danger and the tragedies guns bring to our streets."

Trident is cracking down on black shootings

Ms Paris joined forces with police in London last year to launch an advertising campaign to stop shootings within the black community.

The Metropolitan Police's Operation Trident is designed to draw attention to the problems of the drug-related gun crime.

Outside the court, Ms Paris said the family were happy with the verdict.

"Jason was a great guy. He was devoted to his kids and family. It is a terrible waste of life," she said.

Mr Phillips's father Stephen added: "I hope that this tragic experience will convince others to realise the futility of using guns and perhaps then my son's death will not have been in vain."