A TEENAGER IS facing a life sentence after being found guilty of stabbing a 15-year-old boy to death over after attempting to rob his bike.
A jury today rejected Joshua Williams (18) claims that he was not the person who killed Alan Cartwright in Islington, London, on 27 February.
Two others, Shaquille Roberts (18) and a 17-year-old boy, previously pleaded guilty to robbery, police say.
Speaking to British media, Alan’s sister, Cherrie Ives, called for police to carry out more searches of people suspected of carrying knives.
She described Alan as “the best brother”:
We wouldn’t change him for the world.
The detective who led the investigation, Chief Inspector Chris Jones, said it was an “utterly senseless” murder.
“This sentiment was echoed by everyone who watched the CCTV of the incident, including myself and my team.
The entire incident from start to finish lasted no more than seven seconds, but the ramification for Alan and his devastated family will last a lifetime.
Jones noted that Alan was close to his home when the attack happened.
Alan was out cycling with friends when he was approached by the three teeangers, two of which forced his friend’s off their bikes.
Williams stabbed the 15-year-old boy in the chest, before cycling off on the stolen bike.
He was later identified in a YouTube comment on CCTV footage posted by police and handed himself in.
BBC News reports that Williams was on bail at the time after being arrested for suspicion of carrying a knife. Chief Inspector Jones added:
He now faces a life sentence and will have many years to fully appreciate the devastation he caused when he made the decision to carry and use a knife.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say