Schoolboy Killers Sentenced To Life

Two teenagers have been given life sentences for the murder of a schoolboy.

Kodja Yenga, 16, was stabbed in the heart in a gang ambush in Hammersmith, west London, in March last year.

Tirrel Davis, 17, and 14-year-old Brandon Richmond have been ordered to serve a minimum of 15 years behind bars.

Three other youths, Michael Williams, 14, from West Kensington, Jamel Bridgeman, 15, and Kurtis Yemoh, 17, both from Shepherd's bush were each given 10-year custodial sentences for manslaughter.

The court heard that Kodjo had been ambushed by a gang when he went into the area after one youth challenged him to a fight.

It is reported that the gang which consisted of about 12 youths, were armed with knives and bats.

The teenager died in his girlfriend's arms after the fatal stabbing.

Kodjo had appeared on MTV to talk about knife crime a few months before his murder. He said that "most young men and girls I know carry knives around for protection or to threaten others".

Kodjo added that he did not think it was a good idea to carry knives around and that he wouldn't.

Counsellor Marianne Alapini made an appeal to young people outside the court to "stop using weapons, avoid being in a gang and to stop violent acts".

Detective Superintendent Matthew Horne said that parents "need to take some responsibility to ensure [their] children are brought up as honest and decent human beings".

Kodja's mother, Ladjua Lesele addressed her son's killers after the verdicts saying "no matter how many times you wash your hands, his blood will stay on them for as long as you live".

Newly appointed London Mayor Boris Johnson said "it is right that such terrible crimes are punished".

Kodja's family will launch the Kodjo Yenga Trust and Foundation to give assistance to disadvantaged young people to go to university on their son's birthday, 30 July.

Meanwhile, the three teenage gang members who were found guilty last month of the murder of 14-year-old Paul Erhahon have each been given life sentences.

The Old Bailey heard that the teenager was attacked by a gang of 17 members in Leytonstone, east London last April. He died after being stabbed in the heart with a sword.

Two of the teenagers were given minimum custodial sentences of 13 years, while the other was given a minimum of 11 years.

(DS)(JM)