Teenager sentenced to life in prison for murder of 16-year-old in Haverhill
Harley Barfield was fatally stabbed in January
Last updated 19th Dec 2023
A teenage boy's been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 16 year old Harley Barfield in Haverhill.
The 17 year old, who we can't name for legal reasons, had denied murder but admitted possession of a knife and manslaughter.
He was found guilty of murder back in November.
He'll spend at least 17 years behind bars.
What happened?
Harley Barfield was stabbed in what the prosecution described as a "frenzied attack" on the 9th of January this year.
The attack happened at around 3 p.m. in a car park next to Strasbourg Square, where a fight is said to have happened involving Harley and one other boy.
The 16 year old, from Haverhill, was initially taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for treatment, before being transferred to the Royal Papworth Hospital.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he passed away on the morning of Wednesday 11 January due to multiple organ failures.
Ipswich Crown Court heard how some of Harley's friends tried to stem the bleeding after he was struck multiple times.
He suffered stab wounds on the centre and left side of his chest, one of which penetrated the right ventricle of his heart. He also had wounds on his neck, head and hands.
"Poor empathetic capacity"
During the trial, at Ipswich Crown Court, the defendant was described as "inflexible" and “all or nothing" in their thinking.
It was also said they meet the requirements for Autistic Spectrum Disorder as well as possibly having "PTSD...a history of mood dysfunction, poor social coping ability and poor empathetic capacity."
The court also heard how the defendant would cause themselves harm.
Tributes
Paying tribute to her son back in January, Harley's mum Bernice said: “My baby boy Harley had the biggest blue eyes and the biggest smile.
"His laugh was infectious and heard often with his constant clowning around. I miss hearing his voice, along with all his different accents and singing.
"It was always hard to have a conversation with Harley without him pulling funny faces.
"Harley’s life will not be vain and I couldn’t be prouder to call him my son. I love you to the moon and back son, rest in peace.”
"I miss him with the whole of my heart"
Dad Darryl added: "Harley was my ‘Mini Me’. I miss him with the whole of my heart, especially our 8pm telephone calls every night.
"I will look up to the stars every night and say: “I love you, goodnight son”."
Destiny - Harley's sister - said: "I remember Harley being born when I was nine and there hasn’t been a dull moment since."
"Harley never failed to make an entrance and was the biggest character in the room. There are so many things that made Harley him.
"He was the bravest, strongest boy and a credit to us all and I’m beyond proud of him. Rest now baby boy. You’ll always be my baby brother.”
"You’re the brightest star"
Jack, Harley's brother, said: “Although too short, the time I had with Harley to see him grow into a gentleman that would do anything for my mum was a blessing, and everything an older brother could wish for."
"His distinct laugh would fill a room and send everyone around him into a fit of giggles with him. I’ll now laugh harder whenever I can just for him. Sleep tight little bro, you’re the brightest star now.”
Harrison, another of Harley's brothers, said: “Me and Harley had the most stereotypical older and younger brother relationship, but I couldn’t ask for anything more."
"I will miss him annoying me every day and waking him up 17 times every morning for school. He’s gone but will never be forgotten.”
"Infectiously loveable"
Brother in law James said: “Harley was extremely loving and infectiously lovable. He was always excited to tell you something that he was buzzing about and loved singing songs with us that he found funny resulting in laughter all round."
"He always left every interaction with laughs and love, no one can express how much he will be missed.
"Me and Harley didn’t share any blood but always shared every ounce of love. May you rest amongst the stars, love you bro.”
Knife angel visit
The Knife Angel, a sculpture created as part of the campaign against knife crime, is set to visit Suffolk next year.
It will be in Haverhill in September 2024 in memory of Harley.