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Savage killers sent down

Andy Cronshaw
5/ 8/2003

TEENAGER James Lever from Northenden was savagely beaten to death outside a pub after a minor argument.

This week three of his killers were jailed for a total of 29 years.

The 16-year-old was assaulted by six men outside the Church Inn on Church Road in Northenden in August 2002.
He was taken to hospital but his head injuries were so bad doctors couldn't save him.

Following a 10-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, the jury found three men guilty of manslaughter and other assault charges.

Speaking on behalf of the family, mum Caroline Lever said: "We have been left absolutely devastated by James's death, it is impossible to put into words the impact it has had on everyone who knew him.

"He was a loving son, brother and friend who had his whole life snatched away from him. James was a loving teenager who enjoyed weight lifting, keep fit and trains. He doted on his niece and two young cousins, who he spent all his free time with.

"We will never get to see him grow up and have children or get married and we will never forget what happened and how he died.We can only hope that in time we can start to rebuild our lives."

In court 21-year-old Stephen Jeffrey Bond of Gorsey Avenue in Benchill was sentenced to seven years for manslaughter and two years for assault to run consecutively.

Twenty-year-old Michael Ramsbottom from Woodhouse Park in Wythenshawe was sentenced to seven years for manslaughter and two years to run consecutively.

Twenty-year-old Michael Bond, also from Gorsey Avenue, received a 7-year sentence for manslaughter and a one-year sentence for assault.

He was also sentenced to three years for an unrelated robbery. All of these sentences will run consecutively totalling 11 years.

Det Supt Jack Dees who lead the investigation today said: "James was the victim of a beating following a minor argument in the pub. This led to his death, which has left his entire family and friends devastated. I only hope today's sentences will help James' family look to the future and begin to re-build their lives."