Teen Murder Crew Locked Up for Brutal Fairground Stabbing
Last October, 15-year-old Jack Woodley was stabbed in the back after a night out at a fair in Houghton-le-Spring. He died the next day in hospital.
In June, ten teenage boys aged 14 to 18 were convicted at Newcastle Crown Court. Witnesses described how Jack was “isolated” and attacked like “an animal” by a savage mob.
Life Sentence for Killer Teen
The 15-year-old who dealt the fatal stab wound got a life sentence with a minimum of 17 years. He had pleaded guilty to manslaughter before the trial, but the jury found him guilty of murder.
“The fact you had a knife was not a secret,” Judge Rodney Jameson told the attacker. “You were well aware that Jack was unarmed. Instead of walking away, you chose violence.”
The judge pointed out the killer even stabbed himself once before lunging again to deal the fatal blow. “You are serving a sentence longer than your life. You’ll be 32 before you can apply for release.”
Younger Teens Get Time Behind Bars
The youngest defendant, just 14, was locked up for at least eight years. Psychologists described him as a “vulnerable young boy” with a learning disability limiting his understanding.
“What you did was wrong,” the judge said. “But you are less to blame than many others. Custody will be tougher for you. You’ll be eligible for release at 22.”
Raw Footage Shows Brutal Mob Attack
During the trial, chilling mobile phone footage showed a group of teens closing in on Jack, with someone shouting, “Get the chopper out!”
The gang punched, kicked, and stamped on the helpless victim. Witnesses likened the attack to “animals attacking prey.”
Before sentencing, nine of the convicted teens have now lodged appeals against their convictions, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed.
