Three jailed over 'pack' murder

David Ramsey, Sean Ramsey and Tyrone Bailey were jailed for life

Three gang members who used bricks and a paving slab to kill a 16-year-old boy have been jailed for life.

Stefan Persaud was attacked after the group he belonged to clashed with the rival Till Death gang in South Norwood, south London, in April 2005.

He was beaten with hammers, and punched and kicked, the Old Bailey heard.

David Ramsey, 18, of Maidstone, Kent, Sean Ramsey, 18, of South Norwood, and Tyrone Bailey, 17 of Thornton Heath, will serve a minimum of 14 years.

The three were convicted of murder at a trial earlier this year.

A 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to four years' youth custody.

A witness described the behaviour as like a pack of animals Judge Martin Stephens

Another 16-year-old was cleared of all charges.

Stefan died 17 days after the attack from brain damage, when his life support machine was switched off in hospital.

Judge Martin Stephens said: "He was subjected to what was described as a frenzied punishment attack.

"A witness described the behaviour as like a pack of animals.

Stefan Persaud was attacked by a rival gang

"The attack took place in a suburban street and ended up in a small front garden."

The judge said a woman in the house had been traumatised by seeing the boy beaten repeatedly on the head with a hammer and then the slab dropped on him on the ground.

The woman said Stefan was attacked by around 10 youths.

She said the one with the hammer had been intent on killing him.

She had told the court: "It was pure rage. He wanted to kill him. He wanted to finish him off."

James Curtis QC, prosecuting, said the attack was the result of a minor row between two gangs of youths.