Teenager sentenced to life imprisonment for murder of 14-year-old boy
A teenager, Marques Walker has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a “defenceless” 14-year-old boy, Jermaine Cools in the United Kingdom.
The 17-year-old Walker stabbed Cools to death on the ground outside a chicken shop in Croydon, south London, according to Sky News.
The incident which happened on 18th November, 2021 made Cools the youngest victim of a fatal knife crime in that year.
Innoson gifts overall best UTME candidate N3m scholarship
Walker was sentenced to life imprisonment on Tuesday, with a minimum of 19 years behind bars, excluding the 497 days he has already spent in custody.
His sentencing was the first time a juvenile murderer has been handed down their punishment at the Old Bailey on television in England and Wales following a successful legal challenge by the media, Sky News said.
At the time of the killing, Walker, then aged 16, was on bail for carrying a large knife, the Old Bailey was told.
Earlier this year, Walker pleaded guilty to Cools’ murder and possessing a knife.
Judge Sarah Munro KC said he had earlier said he was not guilty but later changed his plea.
The impact of “defenceless” Jermaine’s violent death was “immeasurable”, the judge added during Walker’s sentencing.
Leave a Reply