Boy found not guilty of murdering teen in stabbing

A 16-year-old boy has been found not guilty of murdering an 18-year-old man who was stabbed in west London.

Maliki Sharma died after he was stabbed with a knife near his left armpit in Feltham on 12 January.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told jurors at the Old Bailey he had acted in self-defence when Sharma and a friend attacked him.

He was also cleared of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and violent disorder.

A second 16-year-old was found not guilty of the same two charges, while a third boy, also 16, was convicted of conspiracy to cause GBH with intent.

The trial heard Sharma's death came at the end of a feud between two rival groups of young people that escalated over three days.

Prosecutors said it began on 10 January, when the third boy was assaulted in Feltham by members of a group Sharma was connected to. The attack was filmed and posted on social media.

Catherine Farrelly KC, prosecuting, told the court the three defendants had then set out to find those responsible.

When the first two boys returned to the area two days later, Sharma and a friend launched a surprise attack on them with a knife, jurors heard.

The court was told the first defendant used a lock knife he was carrying to stab Sharma, partially severing a major artery. The 18-year-old collapsed and died a short time later.

The boy admitted possessing the knife but denied he had gone out looking for revenge.

The third defendant will be sentenced on 18 December.

Sharma's friend, who has admitted violent disorder, wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article, will be sentenced on the same day.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk