3:28pm Thursday 28th June 2007
By Sara Nelson and Jon Cheetham
The mother of a 16-year-old boy who was stabbed to death last year says her heart goes out to the grieving family of Ben Hitchcock.
Ben, also 16, died after he was stabbed during a fight in Southend Road, Beckenham, last Saturday night.
The Kelsey Park Sports College pupil was taken to Lewisham Hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead.
His mother, Lee Hitchcock, described her son earlier this week as "the most loving boy that ever walked this earth."
Michelle Jeacock's son, Julian 'Buster' Knight, bled to death in her arms after being stabbed yards from his home in Lensbury Way, Thamesmead.
His killer, Stelios Paraschakis, of Rushdene, Abbey Wood, was convicted of his murder during a trial at the Old Bailey.
The 19-year-old was jailed for life, with a recommendation that he serves at least 18 years.
Mrs Jeacock said: "My heart goes out to Ben's family at this time.
"We know the pain is unbearable, losing Buster has destroyed our lives.
"Such senseless violence must be stopped.
"My family is calling on the Government to impose a zero tolerance policy against violent crimes."
Speaking just before Paraschakis was sentenced on June 8, Mrs Jeacock told News Shopper that she wanted to keep her son's memory alive and highlight the problem of knife crime and knife culture.
She said: "I don't want Buster to be forgotten, I want him to be remembered for the nice person he was and highlight the problem of knife crime to stop it happening to someone else's child.
"I don't think a child should die so early and so brutally."
Commenting on Ben's death, she said: "It is another senseless murder of a young teenager and it seems to go on all the time now."
A post-mortem examination held on Monday at the Princess Royal University Hospital, in Farnborough, revealed Ben was killed by a stab wound to his abdomen.
Up to 40 youths are thought to have taken part in the fight, which began after a party and police have recovered a number of knives and bricks from the scene.
Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 020 8721 4961; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
Officers will hold an anniversary appeal in the area of the attack this Saturday evening, between 9pm - 1am.
They will be speaking to passers-by and motorists to see if they witnessed the incident or can help with the investigation.
Meanwhile, tributes and messages to Ben continue to be left at the scene of his death and friends and family members are continuing to pay their respects there.
Here are some of your messages:
"It is not greezie to know someone who has been shot or stabbed. It is not heavy to have killed, not fashionable to be seen crying and hugging by flowers and cards on London News. It is sad cos another young person has been killed."
"Turn your life around."
"I have been remembering all the things you used to do that cracked everyone up and still does now.
"Nothing you have ever done will ever be forgotten."
"We miss you now and always."
A million times Penge Block have missed you
A million times Penge Block have cried
If love could have saved you Swipe you never would have died
The things Penge Block feel most deeply are the hardest things to say
You were one of the bestest boys on the block
Everyone from Penge Block will always miss you Swipe and love you in a very special way
All 14, who are aged between 13 and 16-years-old, were bailed to return to a south London police station yesterday.
They have been re-bailed to return again on August 8.
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