By Grâçia Ada Obi
A 17-year-old boy has been jailed after he pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a man more than double his age.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to manslaughter when he appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday 6 October. Fast forward two months and he has now been sentenced to time behind bars.
A judge issued a 3 years and 4 months in prison sentence following the assault on a residential street back in the early hours of 28 January, 2024. Another teenage boy was also sentenced in relation to the incident.
The full police statement reads: “A teenager convicted of the manslaughter of a family man in Littlehampton has been sentenced in court. 51-year-old local man Paul Lawrence tragically died following an assault in Gladonian Road in the early hours of 28 January, 2024.
“The 17-year-old defendant, from Bognor Regis, appeared before Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday 6 October, where he pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was bailed with conditions until sentencing at the same court on Friday 12 December, where he was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months in prison.
“A second 17-year-old boy, from Littlehampton, was previously convicted in connection with the incident, after pleading guilty to sending a message that was grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, and possession of cannabis.
“Neither of the boys can be named for legal reasons.”
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell said: “Paul’s family have shown tremendous strength and courage throughout this investigation, and I’d like to thank them for their support and understanding.
“While nothing can change what happened that fateful day, I hope the conclusion of this case brings them some sense of closure. Our thoughts remain with them.”
