A teenager who stabbed a 16-year-old in Gateacre has been jailed for 11 years.
Owen Cousins was convicted of the manslaughter of Daniel Gee Jamieson on July 3 last year in Belle Vale Road but acquitted of his murder.
Liverpool Crown Court heard how the 17-year-old was part of a group of around 30 youths who met in a nearby field for a ‘straightener’ to settle a dispute.
It was during this confrontation that Cousins, previously of Belle Vale, fatally stabbed an unarmed Daniel in his thigh with a lock knife.
In sentencing, Judge David Aubrey told Cousins: “You had that knife in your home.
“You had kept that folding knife and you made a decision to take that knife out with you. The court does not accept your explanation as to your possession of that knife.
“You were not telling the truth.
“There is a subculture of young men carrying knives for perceived protection to use in self defence. And indeed that was your defence; a defence which the jury rejected.
“Danny never had a knife on the evening in question.”
Outside court, DCI John Middleton, Merseyside Police’s Senior Investigating Officer, welcomed Cousins’ conviction.
He said: “It was tragic last year to see such a young life ended as a consequence of someone recklessly carrying and using a knife.
“Hopefully today’s sentencing at least gives Daniel’s family and friends some form of closure and comfort as they continue to come to terms with their loss.
“Tackling violence and knife crime is not something police and the courts can do alone.
“We continue to work closely with schools and other partners across Merseyside to educate young people about the devastating consequences, which Daniel’s death sadly shows.
“We want parents, guardians and young people themselves to help reinforce this message – if you are caught carrying a knife, you are reducing your future prospects.
“We would urge anyone of any age to think before they consider carrying a knife, whatever the reason.
“If you know somebody who is carrying a knife when they go out I would urge you to come forward and tell us, so we can take the appropriate action.
“We will act on all information reported to us to make our streets safer.”