Kodjo Yenga's mother said her son's killers would always have "blood on their hands".

Ladjua Lesele said in a statement to the court: "These cold-blooded children tormented and stabbed my wonderful and innocent son while they screamed 'kill him, kill him' during his calculated murder that was premeditated and planned.

"I only have one thing to say to those who murdered Kodjo - as you spilled and touched his blood, no matter how many times you wash your hands, his blood will stay on them for as long as you live."

She added: "I stand before you as a broken mother whose prayers, dreams and hopes for the bright future of her beloved son were cruelly and needlessly crushed when he was brutally murdered.

"He was a 16-year-old exemplary child and a gifted scholar who had just achieved A* grades in his exams at St Charles RC Sixth Form College.

"He had a bright future ahead of him and he also contributed to his local community in many thoughtful ways.

"This brutal murder of Kodjo Yenga shocked people in Great Britain and all over the world as they listened to TV and radio broadcasts in disbelief.

"Since March 14, 2007, my life has changed profoundly and I find it increasingly difficult to battle through the overwhelming pain and loss I feel.

"Only other parents who have lost a beloved child in similar circumstances to mine can understand and feel the pain I am going through.

"I feel very let down by the bureaucratic administration system in the Town Hall and the limited support I received during this extremely difficult time.

"I ask every young person with a knife or gun to stop what you are doing and think about the ripples of pain you leave eternally with the family whose loved one you thoughtlessly killed in a moment of madness that will also change your life forever.

"No matter what the outcome of the trial or the future, my son Kodjo Yenga will never come home again and that breaks my heart.

"Kodjo Yenga - Rest in Peace. All my love. Forever."