09/03/2005

Teenager convicted of manslaughter over river death

A 17-year-old boy has been found guilty of manslaughter after killing another teenager by pushing him into a river where he drowned.

David Berry, 16, was pushed to his death from a bridge over the River Stour in Dorset in June 2004. He had a phobia of water and was unable to swim.

During the hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court, the court was told that David, who was described as "popular", had been with a group of friends in the area, relaxing during a break from school to study for his GCSEs. The defendant and his friend, who were both aged 16 at the time, decided to throw David into the river from a bridge. Both of them had been drinking at the time.

The court was told that David's friends tried to rescue him but were unable to save his life.

The defendant, who cannot be named because of his age, had pleaded not guilty to the charge. He is due to be sentenced on Friday. His friend had earlier pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Speaking to BBC News after the verdict was revealed, David's father, John Berry, said: "Perfect. Justice has been served."

(KMcA/SP)

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