Teens convicted of killing boy in city park

Wolverhampton Wanderers fan Harleigh Hepworth had his life ended in an instant, says his family

Two teenagers have been convicted of killing a 17-year-old boy in a park in Wolverhampton.

Harleigh Hepworth, from Staffordshire, was found with fatal stab wounds in West Park on 7 March.

A 17-year-old boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of murder, robbery and having a bladed article.

Jovarn Esterine, who was 17 at the time but is now 18, was cleared of murder, but convicted of manslaughter, robbery and having a bladed article.

Jovarn Esterine and an unnamed 17-year-old will be sentenced at a later date

The pair will be sentenced at a later date at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

After the verdicts were given, police said Harleigh, who lived in Rugeley, had been visiting the city with a friend, and they had gone to the park to meet Esterine and the boy.

Officers said that after they arrived, the defendants confronted the pair before the 17-year-old fatally stabbed Harleigh in the chest.

Harleigh ran away but was later found lying in the park bleeding.

Police said that as he was stabbed, Esterine put his arm around Harleigh’s friend to prevent him from trying to intervene.

Esterine then held a knife to the friend’s chest and threatened to kill him unless he gave him the passcode to his phone, which was then stolen.

After the trial, Harleigh’s family paid tribute to him and said he “had his short life ended in an instant through a moment of mindless aggression”.

In a statement issued through police, they said: “Our family, his girlfriend and close friends will no longer be able to enjoy seeing him grow, mature and enjoy life.

"He had positive plans for his future.

"Harleigh had a great sense of humour; he was funny, and he was polite.

"We will miss him massively, but we will always remember his cheekiness, his infectious smile, and the fun times we had together.”