Teenagers sentenced to life for the death of Peter Cairns

Three teenagers have been given life sentences for murdering a man with a kitchen knife.

The teenagers were detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure today (15 July 2022) at Stafford Crown Court.

From May: CPS statement on the conviction of teenagers for Peter Cairns’ murder

The 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were given life sentences and must serve a minimum of 13 years detention, while the other 16-year-old, who also cannot be named, was also given a life sentence and must serve a minimum of 11 years detention.

Mark Paul of the CPS said: "Unlike the convicted defendants, Peter Cairns had nothing to do with gangs, and the brutal attack on him was unprovoked. He was a completely innocent young man who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. While the convictions and sentences will not begin to compensate the Cairns family for the enormity of their loss, I hope that the conclusion of this case brings some measure of closure in knowing that the people responsible for his death have been held accountable."