Murdered teen was kind and loyal, says family

Thomas Taylor will be remembered as being a "fun-loving young man" his family said

A teenager who was stabbed to death after a fight broke out between two rival groups has been described as "kind, loyal and fun-loving" by his family.

Thomas Taylor, 17, was murdered by Bennett Ndenkeh, 19, in Greenhill Street, Bedford, just before 18:00 GMT on 8 January.

Ndenkeh was given a life sentence while his associate Riaz Miah, 18, was given an eight-year custodial term after being found guilty of manslaughter.

After their sentencings at Luton Crown Court, Mr Taylor's family paid tribute to "a young man with a whole future ahead of him".

Infectious laughter

"Thomas was so much more than the tragedy that took him - he was kind, funny, loyal, and full of potential," his maternal family said in a statement.

"He cared deeply for his family and friends. His smile could light up a room, and his laughter was infectious - those are the memories we will hold onto.

"There is no justice that can bring Thomas back - what we have now is love, love that continues, love that remembers, love that refuses to fade.

"You will always be part of us — in every sunrise, every laugh, every act of love that carries your spirit forward."

Bennett Ndenkeh was found guilty of murdering Thomas Taylor

Thomas was killed after violence involving two groups of young men broke out near a bus station.

Mr Justice Spencer said evidence showed that the fight had been planned and that Mr Taylor, who had a knife in his hand, started to run away after his group was confronted.

He was then attacked, brought to the ground, fatally stabbed and "left for dead".

Following a trial earlier this year, Ndenkeh, of Midland Road, Bedford, and Miah, of Foster Hill Road, Bedford, were convicted over his death.

Ndenkeh was jailed for a minimum of 22 years while Miah will spend at least two-thirds of his eight-year sentence in prison.

Riaz Miah was found guilty of manslaughter after a trial

Mr Taylor's paternal family said their "loss cannot and will never be healed".

"Tom was a very talented, fun-loving young man with the brightest future ahead of him," they said in a statement.

"He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, often winding them up to raise a laugh - some of his friendships he has held from nursery.

"We would like to thank Bedfordshire Police for their swift action and also the support to the family whilst we having been going through trial."