Three guilty of boy's stab murder

Three boys were convicted of murder and two of manslaughter following a three-month Old Bailey trial.

Paul was stabbed in the heart with a 7in sword after being set upon by a 17-strong group in the foyer of a block of flats in Leytonstone, east London.

Members of the group as young as 13 were urged on by others, who were themselves only a few years older.

The "youngers" of the gang were encouraged to kill in order to "earn their spurs", the Old Bailey heard.

Many wore hoods and masks, and were armed with baseball bats, knives, swords and a bicycle chain when they attacked Paul on Good Friday last year.

Police said teenagers on the estate were subjected to an atmosphere of "intimidation and violence" by gang members and Paul may have been seen as having disrespected them.

The year before, Paul had been stabbed by bullies and his parents Paul and Rita had moved him to Kingsford, hoping for a fresh start for him.

But instead they came out of their home on the evening of the attack to find his chest covered in blood as he cried out: "I'm dying, I'm dying." He died in hospital less than half an hour after the attack.

Paul's 15-year-old friend, who cannot be named because of his age, was also stabbed and left for dead after he vainly tried to come to his rescue. Sentencing was adjourned until May 9.