‘Connor was so kind and caring. He touched the hearts of many’
FAMILY’S HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO SON AS HIS KILLER JAILED FOR MORE THAN 21 YEARS
THE family of murdered Connor Black have given a heartfelt tribute to the “loveable and cheeky” 24-year-old joiner.
Their statement was read out at Leicester Crown Court on Friday afternoon, moments before Connor’s 21-year-old killer, Kaylon Wilson, was given a sentence of life imprisonment - of which he will serve at least 21 years and eight months.
Wilson, of St Columba Way, Syston, who had mental health difficulties, had earlier admitted murdering Connor, his best friend.
Connor was staying overnight at Wilson’s home on Saturday, February 27, when he was stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack. The two had been friends since childhood.
The statement from the victim’s heartbroken relatives read: “Connor was a person who lived life to the full, a person who was so kind and caring and a person who touched the hearts of many.
“As a child, he was sporty and artistic, playing football for his primary school team and Loughborough Dynamos, as well as badminton for Leicestershire County.
“Football later turned to diablo, roller skates, skateboards and scooters, a passion he kept until very recently.
“Scouting was also a big part of Connor’s life - enjoying many adventures including camping, scuba diving, cycling, kayaking and fishing and leading him to achieve his Chief Scout awards and Duke of Edinburgh silver award.
“After finishing school, Connor moved onto an apprenticeship in bench joinery, which turned into his career as he worked across the county.
“It was Connor’s fun-loving personality that made him a fantastic big brother and won him a wide circle of friends.
“He had so much compassion for others. His friends meant the world to him. The love and thoughts of everyone he knew have overwhelmed us and are proof of his impact on so many.
“We are so proud of our son Connor and the gentleman he had become. He was just starting out in life at 24 years old.
“He had his whole life ahead of him and Kaylon took that away from him.
“Connor’s murder is almost too much for us to bear and nothing will ever bring him back to us. No family should ever have to go through what we are going through.
“His murder has destroyed two families. Two young men’s lives wasted, two families left heartbroken.
“Connor was a person who lived his life for his friends, how tragic then that his best friend should choose to take his.”
Wilson will have to serve a minimum of 21 years and eight months before he will be eligible to be considered for release on a life licence.
In many high-profile cases, police forces issue offenders’ custody photographs, or mugshots.
However, Leicestershire Police has declined to do so in Wilson’s case The force said it had decided against releasing his mugshot because it believes he wants to be “recognised” for his offence.
In a statement, it said: “When considering releasing any custody image, Leicestershire Police carries out a full assessment in relation to the impact the release of the image will have on those involved in the case. In this case, following the assessment, it has been agreed not to release the image of the defendant.
“This is due to concerns raised throughout the investigation regarding the offender seeking to be recognised for the crime which has been committed.
“As a force we are not prepared to support this.”