Nunchaku murderer jailed for life

Richard Martin arriving at Lewes Crown Court for sentencing

A teenager has been jailed for life for murdering 15-year-old boy with a martial arts weapon after gatecrashing a Halloween party in West Sussex.

Richard Martin, 19, of Heath Way, Horsham, was ordered to serve at least 15 years for killing Ricky Butler with a nunchaku in the town in November.

Judge Richard Brown said he took the life of a "perfectly respectable" boy, devastating his family and friends.

A jury at Lewes Crown Court returned its verdict after an 11-day trial.

The unemployed teenager was also found guilty of unlawful wounding, but cleared of wounding with intent.

The court was told Martin gatecrashed the party, held at the flat of Ricky's brother, Steven, in Horsham.

He had a row with Ricky and was told to leave, but he returned with the nunchaku - two wooden sticks joined by a chain or rope.

Ricky's friend tried to protect my son. We will always thank him for his bravery Tony Butler

"This was, in my view, a vicious and cowardly attack on a young boy who was posing no threat whatsoever to you," the judge told Martin.

The court was told Ricky tried to protect himself during the attack outside the flat in Gorringe Brook.

A friend who joined in to try to prevent further injury to Ricky was also injured.

Both boys were struck several times round the head.

Following the attack, Ricky was able to stagger back inside the flat and talk to his brother.

But he soon lapsed into unconsciousness and died in hospital from bleeding to the skull in the early hours of 3 November.

Ricky Butler, shown with his girlfriend Jade Pemberton, died in hospital

Ricky's father, Tony Butler, said the family was pleased with the verdict.

"Ricky's friend tried to protect my son from the violent attack.

"He covered Ricky, taking many of the blows from the attack himself, as a result. We will always thank him for his bravery.

"This was yet another violent crime involving a young person carrying a weapon.

"If we do not stop this behaviour now, how many more people will be killed and how many more families will be left devastated?"

Ricky's friend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: "I still keep picturing when Ricky first got hit.

"It is something no-one should have to go through.

"People these days seem to be influenced by gang culture. I don't see why young people feel the need to carry weapons.

"This case is a good example of what can happen."