Teens guilty of murdering boy ‘lured’ to park and fatally stabbed
Two 14-year-old boys have been found guilty of murdering a teen who was “lured” to a park and fatally stabbed.
Oliver Stephens, 13, was pronounced dead at Bugs Bottom field in Emmer Green, Reading, on 3 January.
Oliver, known as Olly, was persuaded to go to the park by a 14-year-old girl, where he was “ambushed” by the two boys, Reading Crown Court previously heard.
The court heard the boys had “grievances” with Olly and the girl is said to have described violence against him as “karma”.
The trio had messaged on Snapchat in the days before the stabbing, and the older boy had written: “I actually hate the kid with a passion – if I was to see him right now I’d probably end up killing him.”
Prosecutor Alison Morgan QC had said that Olly was “unknowingly walking into an ambush” and had been “lured” by the girl, who remained at the scene during the attack.
A witness said a number of punches had been thrown before the younger boy – who was 13 at the time – had stabbed Olly in the chest and back.
Ms Morgan said of the witness: “She could see blood coming from his chest and heard sucking sounds, which she knew was not a good sound, as air was not getting into Olly’s lungs.
Police pictured in January during the investigation into Olly’s death
“She noticed the shock was setting in and knew he was in cardiac arrest and began CPR on him.”
The court also heard the boy had “encouraged” others to look for news stories about the incident, with the older boy messaging a friend, saying: “Me and my boy slapped him up but my boy backed out and f****** shanked him.”
Ms Morgan said: “There was no sign of any regret and no suggestion he was in any way shocked.”
The younger boy had told a female friend in a message: “It was the biggest mistake of my life”, saying he had carried out the attack “out of pure anger”.
When questioned in court, the younger boy said he had taken a knife to the park because the older boy had told him to, and he had expected Olly to have a weapon.
The younger boy said that, during the fight, Olly had reached towards his waistband and he had assumed a knife would be pulled out.
The younger boy had used his knife because he thought the older boy, who was still fighting with Olly, was “going to get stabbed”.
But the older boy said he was not aware his younger friend had a knife and was shocked by the stabbing.
The jury deliberated for just over 18 hours before returning guilty verdicts to the murder charges.
The older boy and the girl had already admitted manslaughter.
Olly was killed in a park that was popular with joggers and walkers
The younger boy had also admitted perverting the course of justice by disposing of clothing worn during the murder, while the older boy admitted the same offence for deleting mobile phone applications.
None of the three can be publicly identified because of their age and they will be sentenced at a later date.
Olly’s family said after the verdict: “He left our home on that fateful afternoon with love and laughter in his heart, with the hope of a bright fun filled future ahead of him.
“Within 13 minutes of leaving the safety of his loving home Olly had left us forever.
“Two minutes was all it took to end him and cause us and our family catastrophic heartbreak.
“When I reached where Olly fell, I gently held his hand, willing him to respond, with the same love and devotion as I had on the day we met, the day he was born.
“Olly was our boy. We raised him to the best of our ability. He was a huge character in and around our home, with his friends and at school.
“He made people laugh, he could dance with the best of them, and he gave his love freely. His sense of humour and his wicked comic timing had us and his friends in stitches many a time.
“He was warm, kind, soulful, a deep thinker and a great carer to those around him. He was loyal and trusted people to a fault. He would never back down from a fight; he would defend those that couldn’t or wouldn’t defend themselves.
“I pressed on him the importance of running from a fight, to get clear and take stock of events later, we would deal with the fallout together. He did not see it my way. It cost him his life.
“The memories and stories we have of Olly’s short life have now become priceless treasures locked away in our hearts and minds forever.”
The families of the Nottingham victims have said the attacker “got away with murder” after an independent review found failings involved in his prior NHS care.
Valdo Calocane was allowed to avoid taking long-lasting antipsychotic medication because he did not like needles, the review found.
He also punched a police officer in the face and held his flatmates “hostage”.
Calocane, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after killing 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates, before attempting to kill three other people in June 2023.
Prosecutors accepted a plea of manslaughter after experts agreed his schizophrenia meant he wasn’t fully responsible for his actions.
Solicitor Neil Hudgell, acting on behalf of the families of the victims, said they will meet the government next week to discuss a statutory public inquiry.
Emma Webber said the families have had to fight for lessons to be learned
‘Make this trauma stop’
Emma Webber, mother of Barnaby, said at a press conference held by the families, that evidence of failures in dealing with her son’s killer would have been “brushed under the carpet” had it not been for campaigning by the victims’ families and that Calcone “got away with murder”.
“None of us should be here today. Anything and everything that could go wrong did,” she said.
“Barnaby, Ian and Grace would be here today if those concerned across these agencies had just done their job properly.”
Mrs Webber said the indefinite hospital order handed to Calocane represented an “enormous miscarriage of justice”.
“He knew what he was doing,” she said. “He serves no punishment for his crimes.”
She added it was “unfathomable” that the families have had to fight for lessons to be learned: “To the prime minister, and the rest of the government, make this trauma stop and make our fight stop.
“You have confirmed there will be a public inquiry, but agree the terms that we’ve been pleading for, make it statutory so all of the agencies, organisations, institutions and, vitally, individuals must… and will be compelled to attend, give evidence and tell the truth.”
Mrs Webber wants a meeting with Keir Starmer: “I do think it’s time now that we get the opportunity to meet with the prime minister,” she said.
Dr Sanjoy Kumar said the families are calling for a statutory public inquiry. Pic: PA
‘This is a watershed moment’
The father of Grace, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, said he will be asking the health secretary to order a mental health trust to hold individual doctors responsible for the failures in his daughter’s killer’s care.
Dr Kumar added: “He (Calocane) was sectioned four times. Four times. The psychiatrist failed to change his treatment four times.
“They failed to put provisions in the community to make sure he took his medication, ultimately irresponsibly discharging him into the community to do harm.
“For the loss of our beautiful, brave daughter, Grace, there must be change. This is a watershed moment.
“We demand a public inquiry with statutory powers, powers to compel witnesses to appear to account for their failures.
“We demand accountability and we will not stop until we get justice for the Nottingham attacks.
“A system is made out of individuals – if individuals are not held to account, systems will not change in our country.”
Pic: PA
‘Accountability is essential’
Grace’s mother, Dr Sinead O’Malley-Kumar, said there had been poor decision-making and “laziness” among health staff who treated her daughter’s killer.
“If any of them knew that Valdo Calocane was going to go out and share student accommodation with their children, I suspect their choices may have changed,” she said.
“Accountability on an individual level is essential.”
James Coates said Nottingham is not a safe area. Pic: PA
‘The city is a failure’
James Coates, the son of Ian Coates, claimed the people of Nottingham are not safe and he had lost his faith in the local mental health services.
He said: “I want to be proud but I can’t. The city, as a whole, is a failure.”
Talking about the city’s NHS services, he said: “If they take shortcuts, it puts people’s lives at risk.”
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Kay Burley has announced she is retiring from Sky News after 36 years at the broadcaster.
Closing her final show on the Sky News Breakfast programme, Burley said: “From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it’s been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business.
“News by its very nature is often devastating and together we’ve covered so many life-changing events – from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster.
“But we’ve also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven’t we – the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing.
“But after over a million minutes of live TV news – more than anyone else in the world – its time for me to indulge in some of my other passions – including my love for travel.
“So, after covering 12 separate general elections – including Sir Keir Starmer’s victory last year – I am retiring from Sky News – let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news!
“Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You’re awesome.
“I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch.”
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Most memorable moments of Kay Burley’s Sky News career
The Breakfast team applauded at the end of the announcement
Burley was part of the team which launched Sky News in 1989.
She has covered major stories including the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Her live coverage of 9/11 won Sky News a BAFTA award.
David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky News, said: “With millions of minutes presenting live rolling news, Kay’s legacy in television journalism is unmatched, as is her commitment to Sky’s legacy. And I’m sure some MPs in Westminster will sleep easy knowing they won’t face her indomitable questioning in the mornings.”
He added: “We thank Kay for her huge contribution to Sky, to the art of the interview and to British journalism. And we wish her the best of luck.”
Former Sky News editor-at-large Adam Boulton posted on X: “The one and only Kay Burley announces she is leaving Sky News.
“Kay is unique, there are no other women of her background who have had such an impact on British News and current affairs. We have been friends and colleagues for forty years. Onward Kay I know it’s going to be exciting!”
Sky News’s political editor Beth Rigby said: “No one does live telly like Kay Burley. Our anchor woman for decades, Kay’s has been THE face of Sky News for as long as I can remember.”
Rigby added: “She’s been a trailblazer & inspiration to a whole generation of women. You’re one of a kind.”
Former Sky News journalist Simon McCoy shared an image on X from when he worked with Burley and wrote: “That’s how long she worked at Sky News!
“Wishing Kay Burley all the best for whatever comes next.”
Sky News business presenter Ian King posted on X: “It is impossible to overstate the achievements of my brilliant and supportive friend @KayBurley.
“No one in the world has clocked up as many hours of live television. No doubt politicians will be glad she is leaving – her loyal viewers will not.”
Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid called Burley “a fierce advocate for viewers, a powerful interviewer and a supporter of women in television”.
Reid wrote on X: “That she gets her own #BreakingNews announcement is testament to @KayBurley impact on news journalism. A fierce advocate for viewers, a powerful interviewer and a supporter of women in television.
“She is going to be hugely missed from our screens. Good luck Kay.”
Former BBC Newsnight producer Sam McAlister said she was “devastated” by the “absolute icon” retiring from Sky News.
McAlister wrote on X: “Genuinely devastated to hear about @KayBurley leaving @SkyNews.
“An absolute icon. Smart as hell, sharp as they come, bloody amazing company.
“Always a total inspiration to me as a single parent and woman from a different background.
“A sad day.”
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a teenager was stabbed to death at a school in Sheffield.
Harvey Willgoose, 15, died after being attacked at All Saints Catholic High School on Monday.
Police said he suffered “serious injuries” and despite the efforts of medics, died a short time after emergency services arrived.
Chris Hartley, deputy chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “We have authorised South Yorkshire Police to charge a 15-year-old with murder in relation to the death of Harvey Willgoose, 15, at All Saints Catholic High School on 3 February.
“He has also been charged with possession of a bladed article and one count of affray.”
The boy will appear at Sheffield Youth Court later on Wednesday.
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In a statement released by police, Harvey’s family said their lives would “never be the same again” and they were “utterly heartbroken”.
“We have lost a beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew and most importantly, a best friend to all,” they said.
“Harvey will be forever known for being a caring, loving and funny young man. At this difficult time we ask you to please respect our privacy as we grieve as a family.”
Pic: Sophie Willgoose
Paying tribute, Harvey’s sister Sophie Willgoose said: “My heart is broken into a million pieces.”
She posted on Facebook: “I love you so much Harvey… Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight cos I wish I could.”
All Saints Catholic High School described Harvey as an “immensely popular” student who had “a smile that would light up the room”.
“We are all struggling to process what has happened and our thoughts and prayers are with Harvey’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” it said.
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