16-year-old found guilty of murdering Gloucestershire teenager
Josh Hall passed away in April after being stabbed six times
Last updated 3rd Nov 2021
A 16-year-old boy has been found guilty of murdering 17-year-old Joshua Hall from Cam, near Dursey, in April.
The jury delivered the verdict shortly after 1.30pm today (3rd November).
The boy has now been remanded in custody and will be sentenced in mid-December.
The two teenagers met at the village's Sports Club to 'sort out their differences' when the boy, who was 15 at the time, killed Josh by stabbing him six times.
Though paramedics rushed to the scene, Josh died from his injuries at Southmead Hospital in Bristol the following day.
The court was told that the pair had arranged to meet up to "sort out their differences" but the youth, who was aged 15 at the time, was armed with a knife.
Jurors heard the confrontation was in relation to alleged comments made about a girl and that the boy felt he had been insulted by Josh.
The 16-year-old boy denied murder and told the court that he was trying to "warn" Josh away with the knife, and that he "didn't mean to stab him".
After today’s guilty verdict, Josh’s family has released the following statement:
"Whilst no verdict can possibly undo the terrible acts of violence against Josh, we have felt and deeply appreciate the continued hard work done by everyone involved in prosecuting this case.
"As Josh's parents and parents to Josh’s brother, we feel all parents need to learn an urgent and desperate lesson to take closer notice and involvement in the lives of their young people, in particular on social media.
"Similarly far too many lives are being destroyed by knives, with social media an aggravating factor.
"Parents and communities cannot rely on the authorities to provide a moral education to their children.
"Joshua was and always will be a source of light and beauty for our family. We will continue to share our pride that Josh spread love and helped people greatly, despite his youth. We will continue to tell our youngest how amazing a person and brother Josh was.
Detective Chief Inspector John Turner, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: "For Josh's young life to be cut so cruelly short in such tragic and unnecessary circumstances is beyond comprehension.
"There are no words or verdict which will ever bring back this young man, but I hope today's outcome will bring a small sense of peace to Josh's family - who have shown immense strength and courage throughout.
"The young boy told the court when giving evidence that he carried a knife for his own protection. He made the decision that day to turn up to what should have been an argument at most, armed with a dangerous weapon which he intended to use.
"I would urge anyone who knows of a friend or someone in their community who carries a knife to please contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously and report it.
"My thoughts and condolences remain with Josh's family and friends during this extremely difficult and painful time."
As part of a national campaign, Gloucestershire Constabulary is running a knife and firearms surrender which will run from Monday 8 November.
During this time the public can hand in knives at drop-off bins located at police stations across the county. Anyone can turn up during the time receptions are open, and those who attend will not be asked to provide any details.