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Projects ... Two teenagers found guilty of murdering 16-year-old schoolboy Kodjo Yenga in west London have been given life sentences at the Old Bailey.

Kodjo was stabbed in the heart in March 2007 after being ambushed by a gang, including two girls, armed with knives and bats in Hammersmith.

The boys, aged 14 and 17, were ordered to serve a minimum of 15 years each.

Three other youths, aged 14, 15 and 17, convicted of manslaughter, were given 10-year custodial sentences.

Tirrell Davis, 17, from Shepherd's Bush, west London, and Brandon Richmond, 14, from Hammersmith, were both sentenced to life for murder.

Michael Williams, 14, from West Kensington, west London, Jamel Bridgeman, 15, from Shepherd's Bush, and Kurtis Yemoh, 17, also from Shepherd's Bush, were all sentenced to 15 years for manslaughter.

It emerged that the 17-year-old found guilty of manslaughter was in court just hours before Kodjo's death.

Despite objections from the police, he had been given bail by magistrates after he was arrested for the theft of a bicycle and for intimidating a witness.

He returned to the streets to launch the attack on Kodjo which left the teenager dying in his girlfriend's arms.

As passers-by tried to help, the gang, some of them in their school uniforms, ran away laughing.

The court heard that Kodjo went into the area after being challenged to a fight by one youth and was then ambushed by others.

He had said to the youth with the knife: "Do you think you are a big boy because you have a knife to me?"

He was told: "I don't care. I want you to respect me," the court heard.

'Shocked Londoners'

Speaking outside the court on behalf of Kodjo's mother Ladjua Lesele, Cllr Marianne Alapini said: "Today's long sentences set an example and send out a very strong message.

"I would call upon all young people to stop using weapons, to avoid being in a gang, and to stop all violent acts.

"Instead, I implore you all, please please focus on your education, contribute positively to your community, and most importantly, do the things that will make your family and parents proud of you."

London Mayor Boris Johnson, MP, who made tackling gun and knife crime a priority during his campaign, said: "The brutal murder of Kodjo Yenga shocked Londoners.

"It is right that those who commit such terrible crimes are punished and it is right that the courts have handed down life sentences for these individuals responsible."

The family also announced plans to launch the Kodjo Yenga Trust and Foundation to help disadvantaged young people go to university.

The trust will be launched with a concert in Kensington & Chelsea on Kodjo's birthday, 30 July.

(BBC)

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