The mother of murdered Tavis Spencer-Aitkens has paid a moving tribute to him – and called for tougher sentences for people carrying knives.

Ipswich Star: Tavis was working as a mechanic before his murder Picture: Supplied by familyTavis was working as a mechanic before his murder Picture: Supplied by family (Image: Archant)

The mother of Tavis Spencer-Aitkens has called for tougher prison sentences for people who carry knives.

Speaking after five men were convicted of killing her 17-year-old son, Sharon Box said: “I feel there is no order or control in Ipswich and stronger sentences should be passed down to those that think they can take a life and get away with it.

Ipswich Star: Tavis loved football and played for St Johns before having success with Coplestonians Picture: Supplied by familyTavis loved football and played for St Johns before having success with Coplestonians Picture: Supplied by family (Image: Archant)

“There should also be tougher sentences for carrying a knife in the first place and more stop and searches by police.”

MORE: Who were the killers of Tavis Spencer-Aitkens?

Ipswich Star: Tavis pictured on his mother Sharon's wedding day in 2014 Picture: Supplied by familyTavis pictured on his mother Sharon's wedding day in 2014 Picture: Supplied by family (Image: Contributed)

Mrs Box also spoke about the issue of gangs and described Tavis, who has a twin brother Tyler, as a “normal teenager” who did not live the “gang life” portrayed during the trial.

“I just want everyone to understand that Tavis was a normal kid, a normal teenager and he would never have taken a life the way his was taken, never.

Ipswich Star: Tavis pictured as a young boy Picture: CONTRIBUTEDTavis pictured as a young boy Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: contributed)

“He didn’t live the gang life he’s been portrayed as living and had a job working as a mechanic with his uncle.

“I am not trying to make out that Tavis was a perfect 17-year-old as he had made some mistakes, haven’t we all?

Ipswich Star: Tavis pictured while on holiday in Menorca Picture: Supplied by familyTavis pictured while on holiday in Menorca Picture: Supplied by family (Image: Archant)

“However, he didn’t deserve to lose his life and most of his friends around him were just that - his friends.

“He went to school with his friends from reception year to high school and they remained his friends to the end.

Ipswich Star: Tavis Spencer-Aitkens in 2006Tavis Spencer-Aitkens in 2006 (Image: Contributed)

MORE: What happened on the afternoon of the murder

“Yes there are gangs in Ipswich, those that come to Ipswich from different parts of the country, mainly London or surrounding areas to sell drugs and cause devastation to the people of Ipswich.

Ipswich Star: Tavis Spencer-Aitkens Picture: CONTRIBUTEDTavis Spencer-Aitkens Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: contributed)

“I can guarantee that half the people who killed my son did not even know him. That’s a hard thing for a mother to live with and means they killed my son for absolutely nothing and that’s disgusting.

“My son was not part of that lifestyle, he just hung around with his friends, cousins and his girlfriend. If people want to think it’s a gang thing, then that’s up to them.

Ipswich Star: Tyler and Tavis on a day out in Felixstowe aged 13 Picture: Supplied by familyTyler and Tavis on a day out in Felixstowe aged 13 Picture: Supplied by family (Image: Archant)

“Tavis just lived and walked the streets of Nacton and Ipswich, because that’s what he knew, it was his right.

“He was born in Nacton and so was I. Every person has the right to walk the streets freely and safely. Why has my son been murdered in broad daylight?

Ipswich Star: Tavis with stepmother Helen Forbes Picture: CONTRIBUTEDTavis with stepmother Helen Forbes Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: contributed)

“Tavis was not in town that day causing trouble at Lush. He was in Nacton minding his own business,” said Mrs Box.

Tavis and his twin were born on February 2 2001 and were “a joy from day one”, said their proud mum.

Ipswich Star: Neville Aitkens with twin sons Tyler and Tavis Picture: CONTRIBUTEDNeville Aitkens with twin sons Tyler and Tavis Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: contributed)

“Tavis always kept me on my toes and when he was about five or six it was clear he was going to be cheeky, funny and a little bit naughty, but always loving and caring.

“Tavis loved people and had the kindest heart. He would give you the last pound in his pocket, that’s the sort of person he was.

Ipswich Star: Tavis Spencer-Aitkens Picture: CONTRIBUTEDTavis Spencer-Aitkens Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: Contributed)

“Tavis was polite and respectful and always well-mannered and I raised him to be all of these things.

“He loved his family and friends and anyone who knew him will be heartbroken not to have him in their lives.

Ipswich Star: Tavis with his mum Sharon Picture: Supplied by familyTavis with his mum Sharon Picture: Supplied by family (Image: Contributed)

“He touched so many people. There will never be another Tavis,” said Mrs Box.

MORE: Teenager cries in dock as jury convicts him of Tavis murder

Ipswich Star: Tavis Spencer-AitkensTavis Spencer-Aitkens (Image: Contributed)

She said Tavis had loved taking his BMX bike to Landseer Park and had also enjoyed swimming, tennis, school athletics and especially football.

“He played for many teams over the years but the main one was Coplestonians where the team made history by winning the league one year.

Ipswich Star: A family picture of Tyler and Tavis Picture: Supplied by familyA family picture of Tyler and Tavis Picture: Supplied by family (Image: Contributed)

“Tavis scored more than 40 goals that year. They were great times and we have some wonderful memories,” said Mrs Box.

Tavis also loved music and often went to a recording studio to make music with his friends.

Ipswich Star: Tyler and Tavis Picture: Supplied by familyTyler and Tavis Picture: Supplied by family (Image: Contributed)

“We enjoyed many family holidays together and I’ll never forget how excited Tavis and Tyler were when they first got on a plane when they were six. Wonderful memories I’ll never forget.”

“All of Tav’s hopes and dreams have been taken from him. His future has been taken away from him.

“No-one will ever know what it means for us to have to live without him. Only we know, those that truly love and miss him now and forever.

Mrs Box thanked family and friends for their ongoing support .“We love you Tav and always will,” she said.