Gang of teenagers jailed for killing ‘beloved’ father.

Five teenagers – including 16-year-old twins – have been jailed for killing a man in a planned attack.

Junior Osborne, 50, died from a single stab wound to the neck in Narborough Road, Leicester, in September.

The five teenagers – aged between 16 and 18 – all had criminal records for carrying a knife and were described as “a wild pack of youngsters”.

As all five were sentenced at Leicester Crown Court, Mr Justice Neil Calver said it was a “brutal, cold-blooded murder”.

The group included twins Nero and Nevardo McLean, of Upperton Road, Leicester, who had celebrated their 16th birthdays the day before the murder.

Because of the seriousness of the crimes, the judge lifted a reporting restriction that prohibited the publication of their names because of their ages.

Mr Osborne – described as a “much-loved” brother and father – was stabbed while cycling in the city at 9.30pm BST on September 27.

He was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary but died about an hour later.

The court heard the group “hunted” Mr Osborne.

Nero McLean admitted manslaughter but was convicted of murder last month.

His brother Nevardo McLean and three other teenagers – James Williams, 18, of Pelham Way, Leicester; Moises Steiner, 18, of Dovedale Road in Thurmaston; and Theobald Budzwa, 18, of Ash Court, Groby – were convicted of manslaughter.

Nero McLean received a life sentence and must serve at least 17 years before being considered for parole.

Nevardo McLean, Williams, Steiner and Budzwa were each given eight years in prison, of which they must serve two-thirds before being released.

All five were also convicted of having a bladed article in a public place, but received no separate sentence.

Mr Justice Calver said: “I am sure you all met to plan an attack on Junior Osborne and gathered with your knives.

“All but Nevardo were wearing masks and before the attack you filmed yourself – you were excited and wanted to introduce yourself to your friends.

“As you went to find Mr Osborne your conversation was picked up on CCTV – you spoke strongly about stabbing him and stealing drugs and money.”

A five-week trial heard Mr Osborne was cycling when Nero McLean sprinted down Narborough Road and plunged a knife into his victim’s throat in front of children playing outside a shop.

The group then fled and the murder weapon was never recovered.

In mitigation, Nero McLean’s lawyer said the teenager had written a letter to the court to express remorse for the murder.

It read: “I understand the immense pain my actions have caused. Not a day goes by that I wish I could change what happened. I’m really sorry.”

The judge added: “A more cruel and heartless crime is hard to imagine.

“You took the life of an innocent man. You destroyed your own lives as well as those who loved Junior Osborne and who love you.”

After Tuesday’s sentencing, Junior Osborne’s family released a statement saying he came to Britain in 1997 after the 1997 Montserrat volcanic eruption.

“He left his family behind and came to the UK to rebuild his life – a life that was cruelly taken from him.

“Although life was not easy, he had a family and children who loved him. He was an intelligent person who went above and beyond to help others and made many friends.

“Even though he wasn’t perfect, he didn’t deserve to die in such a tragic and horrific way. It was taken from us in cold blood.

“Losing Junior has left a huge void for all of us and a huge hole in our hearts. He was a much loved husband, father, brother and stepfather.”

“While we are right for Junior, no sentence will bring him back. However, hopefully the streets are a safer place now that those who took him from us won’t be roaming the streets any time soon.”

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