Teenage murderer had history of violence

A TEENAGER who murdered a 13-year-old boy from Emmer Green had a history of violent behaviour, including threatening others with blades.

The boy was detained for the killing of Olly Stephens in Bugs Bottom fields in January 2021 along with two others who had plotted the ambush with him on social media.

Two boys, both aged 14, were found guilty of the murder following a trial at Reading Crown Court and were sentenced to life in custody with a minimum of 13 and 12 years respectively.

A review into one of the boy’s relationship with numerous agencies has found that concerns were repeatedly raised about his behaviour before the attack.

It revealed that his school had raised concerns about his propensity for violence and the danger he posed to others.

His disruptive behaviour led to frequent exclusions despite having an Education and Health Care Plan.

The boy was also well-known to child services, according to the review carried out by the Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership.

The review details how the boy had made threats to kill others with a knife before the attack in which Olly was stabbed twice.

Other concerns that were flagged over time included assaults on other children, possession of cannabis and making bombs at home.

Concerns had been raised about his suspected involvement in knife crime and possible exploitation by drugs gangs. The boy reportedly made claims that he had associates with access to weapons and firearms.

The boy was involved in three violent crimes in the months running up to Olly’s murder but the investigations were delayed as each was carried out by a different police officer. The review makes eight recommendations for agencies, including the strengthening of policies and better communication and information sharing.

Multiple agencies reportedly discussed implementing a more “robust” child protection response but it was ultimately left to children’s services to act alone.

The review said opportunities were “missed” by children’s services.

However, it added that an action plan was being “actively progressed” and “scrutinised” with the trialling of a new school exclusion prevention programme.

The review said that the boy, who has Asperger’s syndrome, was diagnosed with a “developmental disability” when he was young.

According to records, his mother reportedly declined support which led to issues that had been raised repeatedly being “closed”.

However, she said that early interventions were “ineffective” and she had not withdrawn consent for early help or said she had not needed support.

The boy’s mother added that the specialist education needs service would not listen to her.

The review stated the service did not understand the boy’s requirements and that there was lack of provision to support children with specialist needs.

A girl, aged 14, was also detained for the murder and was given five years after admitting manslaughter.

None of those convicted can be identified for legal reasons.