Mother of murdered son says killer's verdict 'does not change' her life in any way (From Enfield Independent)

Mother of murdered son says killer's verdict 'does not change' her life in any way

9:35am Thursday 14th June 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

The mother of the son stabbed to death after a conker fight says his killer’s sentence “does not change” her life in any way.

A 15-year-old boy was handed a minimum sentence of ten-and-a-half years yesterday for stabbing 21-year-old Steven Grisales in a row over conkers.

On hearing the sentence, the victim’s mother, Jasmid Grisales, said: "It is true to say that this verdict does not change our lives in any way because we lost Steven forever and he is not coming back to us. We have to carry this cross for the rest of our lives.”

She added: "Steven was always loved by absolutely every person who had the privilege of knowing him and calling him a friend, cousin, nephew, grandson, son or brother.

“He always gave without expecting anything in return and he always tried for everyone around him to be happy.

"This result can show that in a way it is justice and people should start learning that for every wrong you do, sooner or later you have to pay the price."

She thanked the police and the witnesses for their support during the five-week trial at the Old Bailey.

The boy from Enfield, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of killing the architecture student in Silver Street, Edmonton, on August 31 last year.

The boy, who was with a group of friends, became involved in a confrontation with Steven after they threw conkers at the 21-year-old.

The youth then stabbed Steven, who died of a single stab wound to the heart.