UK
Boy, 15, detained for life over fatal stabbing of father-of-three James Markham
A 15-year-old boy has been detained for life for stabbing to death a father-of-three outside his home.
Described in court as an “obnoxious teenage trouble maker”, the youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will serve a minimum term of 15 years.
He was aged just 14 and subject to an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) when he attacked 45-year-old James Markham, in Chingford, east London, on 9 August last year.
The 45-year-old was stabbed to death outside his home in Chingford
He had already breached his ASBO six times before fatally stabbing Mr Markham with an 18in knife.
The youth claimed to have acted in self defence but was found guilty of murder and having an offensive weapon following a trial at the Old Bailey in July.
On Friday, Judge John Hillen ordered the boy to be detained for life.
He described Mr Markham as “a hard-working stonemason with his own business who worked hard to support and bring up his family”.
He told the teenage killer: “You had not responded to attempts to divert you away from crime and antisocial behaviour.
“You regularly went missing.
“You have a low attendance record at school.
“Your foster parents could not prevent your behaviour.
“You were out of control.”