Boy sentenced to 15 years for Ben Moncrieff murder
Ben was fatally stabbed after a night out in May 2023
Last updated 6th Dec 2023
A 16 year-old from South London has been told to spend the next 15 years behind bars, after being convicted for the murder of Ben Moncrieff in Bath.
The boy, who we can't name because of his age, stabbed Ben once during the early hours of the 6th May 2023 on Southgate Street in the city.
18-year-old Ben died from his injuries on the scene, despite efforts from passers-by and medics.
The offender, who was 15 at time the time of the incident, was guilty of murder after a trial in October and was remanded ahead of sentencing today.
"A mum's worst nightmare"
Ben's mother Sharon Hendry read an emotional personal statement to the court.
She said: "Ben filled our home with his friends, laughter, and made our home a happy place, full of life."
She described him getting ready and going for a rare night out with his girlfriend and then rushing to his side after getting the call that he had been stabbed.
Sharon said: "I did not have the chance to hold Ben and tell him how much I love him. I was too late, I couldn't comfort Ben. A mum's worst nightmare.
"Ben's room stays just as he left it … I go into Ben's room every day to think of the memories that I have."
Wrong place at the wrong time
Senior Investigating Officer Mark Newbury said: "Ben was tragically in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was an innocent man trying to defend a friend when he was stabbed and killed. "
"The defendant make a conscious decision to take a knife with him that day and attack a defenceless young man. It was a decision that has cost him his freedom, but more importantly one person's life."
"The courage his friends and family have shown ever since Ben's death has been quite incredible and I want to personally thank them for the support they have shown us."
"Today may see the end of the court process, but their grief and pain remains raw. It is clear how loved Ben was and how much he will always be missed by those who knew him."