The 10 attackers of an 18-year-old who died after being stabbed have today all been jailed for life.

Jack Woodley was walking home from a funfair when he was “surrounded and isolated” then set upon at random by a group of thugs “solely for excitement and pleasure”.

They had chased him down an alleyway “like zombies attacking an animal” last year in Houghton le Spring, Sunderland.

READ MORE: Brit girl, 7, killed instantly by propellers of speedboat driven by 'top police officer'

Jack had been on his way to pick up the keys to a new flat and was due to start a new job on the Monday.

A 25cm “Rambo style” blade was used in the October 16 attack, not before Jack had been punched, kicked and stamped on.

The 10 had been “looking for serious trouble that day”, prosecutors said.

Mr Woodley was put in a headlock by one of the thugs, before punching him, sparking hits from the other members of the group to rain in.

One shouted “get the chopper”, the jury heard via phone footage gathered from the event, the Mail reports.

The fatal wound, a knife wound in the back, was inflicted by a 15-year-old who was today sentenced to no fewer than 17 years behind bars.

According to witnesses, Jack curled up in a ball as he took the horrific torrent of hits and kicks.

Aged between 14 and 18, the other nine attackers were sentenced to between eight and 15 years each by Judge Rodney Jameson QC.

• 

  Kim Jong-un's gruesome execution of his uncle who was eaten by 120 starving dogs

To stay up to date with all the latest news, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.

As a group, they have earned a total of 124.5 years behind bars. Judge Jameson QC said the group had shown “regret”, however, he pointed out that “regret is not remorse”.

Nine of the killers, all of whom cannot be named for legal reasons, denied charges of murder and manslaughter.

Judge Jameson said to Newcastle Crown Court that, if released, all would remain on licence for the remainder of their lives.

One, who stabbed Jack, admitted to manslaughter but denied any intention to kill him.

Mark McKone QC, prosecuting, said that Jack and the 10 had been at the funfair, although the attack happened near the Britannia Pub.

“The attack took place outside the pub but the group also chased Jack down an alleyway at the side of the pub. Many people in the pub saw the attack,” he said.

All 10 were convicted of murder by a jury in June. Nine intend to appeal.

At sentencing, Judge Jameson said: “No sentence can restore Jack to his family and loved ones, or reduce the pain they will endure now and in the future.

“It may seem unfair that you will be able to live at liberty while still young men, while Jack cannot because of what you did.”

Though six of the 10 gave evidence, none spoke of another’s actions. Judge Jameson said: “You decided to put the interests of yourself and your co-defendants before those of Jack and his family. You did everything you could to deny them justice.

“I'm sure you do regret what happened for many reasons, but regret is not remorse.”

Earlier in the trial, Jack’s mother Zoe McGill said: “Jack was my reason to live and succeed in life. From the moment Jack was born he brought light and love to us all.”

READ NEXT:

• Conman scammed 8,000 investors into paying £400m for never-built Caribbean properties
• Man left with broken 'aubergine' penis after hearing it 'crack' during 'vigorous' sex
• Body of co-pilot, 23, who jumped from plane before crash landing found in garden
• Sinkhole bigger than tennis court mysteriously appears in desert – and is 200m deep
• 'Destructive' identical twins doused themselves in fuel and tried to blow up Esso garage

Source: Read Full Article