Two Kids Convicted Over Tragic Stabbing of 13-Year-Old Olly Stephens
The family of Olly Stephens, who was fatally stabbed in Bugs Bottom near Reading this January, have today faced the grim reality as two children were convicted for their role in his death.
Heartbreaking Tribute From Olly’s Family
Olly’s parents paid a moving tribute to their son, saying:
“Our boy Olly was born at 9.21pm on 1st November 2007 and stolen from us at 5.00pm on 3rd January 2021.
“He left home that afternoon full of love, laughter, and dreams for a bright, fun future. But within 13 minutes, he was gone forever.
“Just two minutes was all it took to end his life and leave us shattered beyond words.
“When I reached where Olly fell, I held his hand, hoping he’d respond with the same love he showed us when he was born.
“Olly was our boy. He was a huge character at home, with friends, and at school. He made people laugh, danced like a star, and loved deeply.
“His sense of humour and comic timing had us in stitches. He was warm, kind, and loyal — someone who defended others and never backed down.
“We urged him to avoid fights, but he didn’t listen. That cost him his life.
“His autism and suspected PDA were never problems to us. We worked together to help him overcome fears and realise his uniqueness was a gift.
“We’d just begun to see him embrace his difference. His friends and teachers said he’d exceeded all expectations in his short life.
“The memories of Olly are priceless treasures locked away in our hearts forever.
“We mourn the life he never lived — the friends he won’t meet, places he won’t travel, and journeys unfulfilled.
“He missed meeting his little cousin by six months. He was thrilled to no longer be the baby of the family and would have loved and protected her as he did his sister.
“It was an honour to call him our son. We are proud of the man he would have become. We miss his smile, laughter, and most of all, his hugs.
“Gentle shoulder charge, love you mate. Xxx
“Today is a sad day. Too many young lives and families have been devastated by this cold-hearted knife crime. It needs to stop. Now.”
Knife Crime Claims Another Young Life
Olly’s tragic death highlights the ongoing knife crime crisis in the UK, claiming innocent young lives and tearing families apart. The family’s plea rings loud and clear: knife crime must end — immediately.
