Boys jailed over father's death
Five boys imprisoned over manslaughter of Ernest Norton, 67
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Friday, 19, Oct 2007 08:00
Five boys have been handed two-year detention sentences after being convicted of the manslaughter of a 67-year-old man.
The three 14-year-olds, one 13-year-old and one 12-year-old were told at the Old Bailey that they will spend one year in custody and one year on licence over the death of father-of-two Ernest Norton.
Mr Norton died in February 2006 after he and his son were verbally abused by a gang of youths at a sports centre in Erith, Bexley.
After remonstrating with the boys they threw stones and sticks into the tennis court he was practicing bowling in with his son James, now 19.
James told the jury at the Old Bailey how he had heard his father collapse as he approached the tennis court gate and upon arriving at his side saw a dent where a stone had hit his head.
An off-duty police officer and James' mother Linda Norton, who was using the sport centre's gym, tried to resuscitate Mr Norton but he died from heart failure brought on by a 30-year-old triple bypass and the head injury.
Later that day 13 youths were arrested near the scene of the crime, with the total number in custody rising to 21 by the end of the week.
All but six were released after DNA evidence linked those sentenced today to Mr Norton, with the sixth later discharged.
It is understood that all five youths plan to appeal against the sentence.
"Bringing five boys to high court on a serious charge is something we considered very carefully, together with the [crown prosecution service]," said investigating officer Detective Inspector Clive Heys outside court today.
"Their conviction and sentence today is an indication that it was right to do so.
"We hope this will serve as a deterrent to any other youths engaged in violent disorder. It is a tragedy for everyone, but we must remember that Ernest Norton died as a result of name calling, being spat at and a volley of stones thrown at him," DI Heys added.
"He died having never seen his baby granddaughter, and will never see her grow up."