Jack’s family so brave to speak about losing son
Police have hailed the bravery of murdered Jack Woodley’s family after his killers were handed jail sentences totalling 124 years – and warned others of the dangers of knife crime.
Jack, who was just 18 years of age, was enjoying a night out at Houghton Feast with his friends on October 16 last year when he was viciously attacked.
He was taken to hospital but sadly passed away from his injuries the following night.
An investigation was immediately launched and, in the coming days and weeks, a total of 10 boys, who were at the time aged between 14 and 17, were arrested and subsequently charged with Jack’s murder.
On June 1, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court found them guilty of murder.
Yesterday they returned to the same court where the teenager found to have attacked Jack with a knife was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
The remaining boys were handed down jail sentences ranging from eight years to 15 years.
The case’s senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Brooks, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the loved ones of Jack following his tragic death and we will continue to support them in any way we can.
“They have shown incredible bravery to share the devastating impact of their loss and to encourage others to think twice about carrying a weapon and becoming involved in violence.
“In the hours leading up the fatal attack, Jack was having the time of his life at a funfair in Houghton. He’d even called his mum to say what a great time he was having. He had a lot to celebrate, as earlier that day he’d just picked up the keys for his first flat and was days away from starting a new job.
“Jack had his whole life ahead of him, but tragically would never spend a night in his flat and would never start his new job.
“Just minutes after talking to his mum, he was attacked by a group of teenage boys and fatally wounded.”