Murdered Christchurch man's family condemn 'pure evil' boys

Edward Reeve, 35, was found dead with multiple stab and slash wounds several days after the attack at the address in Heath Road, Walkford, on New Year’s Eve last year.

Two boys, who were both aged 16 at the time of the killing, were convicted of murdering Mr Reeve following a trial at Winchester Crown Court in July.

The teenagers, from Bournemouth and Christchurch respectively, were back in the dock yesterday for the start of sentencing proceedings before the Honourable Mr Justice Sweeney.

• Follow live updates from the sentencing here

Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC read statements from members of Mr Reeve’s family.

His father John said the defendants “stole Edward’s life in a violent, wicked and despicable manner”.

He described his son as a “lovely man and a talented musician”. He said that he had planned to move nearer to him for the latter part of his life.

"Losing him has brought an end to all my plans for retirement," his statement said.

He added: "My life is over, my future is in the past, I live on memories."

The victim’s mother, Jayne Newey, said her son’s mental health started to worsen a couple of years ago and he became involved in taking drugs, although more recently he had expressed a desire to get back on track.

"Hearing someone tell me my only son had been murdered was an unbelievable and heart-breaking shock for me, which I will never recover from,” she said.

Mr Reeve’s mother added: "I will never see that lovely smile again and I will never hear him call me mum again."

Aunt Helen Newey said her nephew’s death was a “horror show that never ends”.

She described him as a “talented musician and composer” who loved music.

"Poor Ed must have been terrified when he realised what his fate would be,” Helen Newey said.

She described the actions of the boys as "pure evil".

Ms Karmy-Jones KC said it was the prosecution’s view that the victim was particularly vulnerable given his disability and mental health issues, and the defendant’s inflicted suffering upon him before his death.

While defence counsel accepted Mr Reeve’s vulnerability, they challenged the submission on suffering.

The judge said: “The last minutes of his life must have been simply awful."

Representing the Christchurch teen, Katherine Lumsdon KC said a report described her client as having “good morals” although it would take time for him to fully comprehend the consequence of his actions.

She said there was a lack of premeditation and the defendant’s age was still a mitigating factor in the case.

Nicholas Haggan KC, representing the Bournemouth teen, said his client had “come to realise this was a dreadful offence".

The barrister referenced a hand-written letter to the court by the boy, which showed he is now remorseful.

Mr Haggan KC said a report on the defendant found he had complex post-traumatic stress disorder syndrome following experiences in his early years.

Edward Reeve (Image: Dorset Police)

The offence had a starting point of 17 years’ imprisonment, but Mr Haggan KC said the court could temper this with an “element of mercy” to reduce it.

As reported, the boys attacked Mr Reeve with two knives. The principal injury was to the left of the belly which severed the main artery draining blood from the liver.

The court heard his injuries were consistent with “being chased”.

Following the attack, the teenagers “bragged” about stabbing the victim.

They were found unanimously guilty of murder by a jury following seven hours of deliberations.

The Bournemouth teen was also found guilty of carrying a blade. The Christchurch teen had previously admitted this offence.

Both defendants cannot be named for legal reasons.

The judge is due to hand down his sentence on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 28.