In October of last year, Jack Woodley was stabbed in the back after an evening out at the fair in Houghton-le-Spring.
He died the next night in the hospital.
Ten males, aged 14 to 18, were convicted in June after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court in which witnesses described Jack being “isolated” by a mob that was “attacking an animal like zombies.
The 15-year-old who admitted to inflicting the fatal stab wound received a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years. Before the trial, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but the jury found him guilty of murder.
“The fact you had a knife was not a secret,” Judge Rodney Jameson told him. “You were well aware that Jack was unarmed.” Instead, despite the fact that he was unarmed and not looking for trouble, you chose to use violence.” You stabbed yourself once in the right hip. You had the option of withdrawing. Instead, you chose your moment to strike again, fatally stabbing him in the back.
“You are serving a sentence that is longer than your life. You’ll be 32 when you’re eligible for release.”
The 14-year-old defendant was sentenced to a minimum of eight years in prison.
Judge Jameson stated that a psychologist described him as a “vulnerable young boy.”
According to the judge, he had a learning disability that limited his ability.
“What you did was wrong,” he said. You’re not as much to blame as the majority of those in the dock. Custody may be more difficult for you to deal with.
He will be eligible for release when he reaches the age of 22.
During the trial, mobile phone footage of the teenagers approaching and surrounding Jack was shown. Someone can be heard yelling, “Get the chopper out!”
During the assault, the group punched, kicked, and stamped on Jack. Witnesses compared it to “animals attacking prey.”
Prior to sentencing, nine of the defendants filed an appeal to have their convictions overturned.
We can confirm that we have now received notices of appeal against conviction from nine of the ten defendants found guilty in this case,” a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) spokesman said.
