The popular student had been socialising with friends in a park when she was stabbed in the back on the evening of March 1. In a case of mistaken identity, Jodie, 17, became a victim of “casual violence” in the drug-dealing world, jurors heard. Although the motive was unclear, the court was told how the defendants had been involved in numerous violent clashes as they fought to protect their turf.

Each had denied being involved in Jodie’s death, with two blaming each other for the stabbing.

An Old Bailey jury deliberated for nearly six hours to find Svenson Ong-a-Kwie, 19, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named guilty of murder.

Their co-defendants Manual Petrovic, 20, and a 16-year-old boy were cleared of murder.

Jodie’s family shouted “yes” as the first verdict was returned.

More to follow…

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