Mother of Brendon Lawrence in fight against gun crime

Janice Collins has campaigned for action against gun crime

During the eight years since Brendon Lawrence's death, his mother never gave up her fight for justice.

Janice Collins, a leading campaigner for Mothers Against Guns, appealed for information to find her son's killer as well as fighting to end gun violence.

Brendon, 16, was shot dead close to his home in St Ann's on 19 February, 2002.

Rene Sarpong, 29, of Lamatine Street in St Ann's, Nottingham, was found guilty of his killing after a trial at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday.

The court heard the bullet that killed Brendon Lawrence had been intended for his twin brother Calvin.

'Rots in hell'

Mrs Collins, along with other campaigners, eventually saw a change in the law with people caught carrying guns now facing a minimum jail sentence of five years.

She said: "They're not shooting to frighten or scare anybody, they're actually shooting to kill.

"He destroyed my family. He took my son away from me and I just hope he rots in hell."

Mrs Collins, who took part in anti-gun marches and vigils in the city, said: "He [Brendon] was the comedian - he would be the one who would tell you jokes.

"You try and put yourself in the position Brendon was in that night. Would he have felt that bullet?

"Would it have hurt and what would he be thinking when he'd been shot?"

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Janice Collins and other campaigners eventually saw a change in the law