Seven youths convicted of a fatal stabbing in Sydenham Park 

17/06/2011

Terrell Clement, 18, along with two youths aged 17, were found guilty of manslaughter on June 17, 2011 at the Central Criminal Court for carrying out a vicious attack that led to the death of 16 year old Nicholas Pearton. Four other youths have already been convicted in connection with this incident. 

On the evening of Wednesday 5th May 2010, two groups of youths, some of whom were dressed in school uniform, confronted each other in Winchfield Road in Sydenham. A number of the youths were armed with various weapons including knives.

The larger group chased the victim through Sydenham Park until he was caught and then stabbed in the back.

Darren Streeter, Head of CPS London's Homicide Unit, said: "This was a cowardly crime in which a large group of youths chased the victim and then plunged a knife into his back. The pointless and needless death of a young man in these circumstances is a tragedy.I hope that the outcome of this case will provide some sense of justice to the victim's family, all of whom have had their lives changed by the events of that day.CPS London will continue the fight againstknife crime and to bring offenders to justice."

Of the four other youths already convicted in connection with this incident, three were convicted of murder and one was convicted of manslaughter. Sheldon Gordon, 22, was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice as he helped conceal clothing worn by the defendants that potentially could have revealed crucial forensic evidence. Sentencing will take place on 4 August.