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Tavis’ father ‘glad defendants will now pay for their actions’
Neville Aitkens, Tavis' Dad, outside Ipswich Crown Court as his statement is read out. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN - Credit: Archant
The father of Tavis Spencer-Aitkens has said he is pleased those who killed “our beautiful son” will pay for their actions.
Tavis Spencer-Aitkens, aged 16 - Credit: Archant
Aristote Yenge, 23, of Spring Road, Ipswich, Adebayo Amusa, 20, of Sovereign Road, Barking, Isaac Calver, 19, of Firmin Close, Ipswich and Kyreis Davies, 17, of Turnstile Square, Colchester, were found guilty of murder by a jury at Ipswich Crown Court.
MORE: Teenager cries in dock as jury convicts him of Tavis murder
Callum Plaats, of Ipswich, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter.
Leon Glasgow, 42, of no fixed address, was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter.
DC Rob Dakin reading out the statement by Neville Aitkens outside Ipswich Crown Court Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN - Credit: Archant
Speaking outside Ipswich Crown Court after the final verdict was delivered for Calver after 31hrs and 19mins of deliberations, Tavis’ father Neville Aitkens said: “We’re very pleased with the convictions and are glad these defendants will now pay for their actions.
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“It has been a heartbreaking time and the loss of Tavis has shattered our lives.
“To know these defendants will now be punished for their senseless crime and will face the consequences of their actions at least gives us some closure.
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“Tavis - our beautiful son, stepson, and brother, who we miss dearly – was brutally murdered and taken away from his loved ones.
“Our lives have been changed forever. The pain has been unbearable.
“Who were these people to judge Tavis? What right had they to take his life?
“We will forever live with our broken hearts, but to know these defendants are off our streets, and the family and Tavis have justice, is welcoming.
“Finally, we would like to thank Detective Chief Inspector Mike Brown, the investigation team, prosecutors Oliver Glasgow and Sarah Przybylska, and the family liaison officers, not only for their hard work in bringing these defendants to justice, but also for looking after us as a family as well.
“We would now ask the media to allow us some space and time to come to terms with our emotions.”
A statement was also read out on behalf of Tavis’ mother, Sharon Box, outside court.
MORE: Tavis’ mother: Too many lives have been lost because of knife crime
“The pain we feel is indescribable. There is no escape from it,” said Mrs Box.
“Those who did so will never know how much we loved Tavis - and still do. If they could truly understand that, they would never have hurt him
“Tavis was cruelly and unnecessarily taken from us by uncaring, wicked individuals.
“Their actions have robbed us of someone so precious and they deserved to be found guilty of killing my son.
“If it was up to me I would never let them leave prison - never.”
