Man, 20, found guilty of manslaughter of 16-year-old boy stabbed in neck

A man has been found guilty of the manslaughter of a 16-year-old boy who was stabbed in the neck.

Elijah Clark, 20, killed Andy Wood with a single stab wound which cut his jugular vein and caused “uncontrollable bleeding” in Waterson Vale in Chelmsford, Essex.

Mr Wood was attacked on the night of February 12 last year and died later in hospital.

Christopher Paxton KC, prosecuting, earlier told a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court that Clark set out to rob Mr Wood as he was “selling on his patch”.

Clark had argued he was acting in self-defence when the incident happened.

Mr Paxton said the defendant “saw himself as something of a drug dealer”, and that Mr Wood had been sending out “marketing deal drug messages”.

Clark, of Gloucester Avenue, Chelmsford, was found guilty on Thursday of Mr Wood’s manslaughter and of assault occasioning actual bodily harm of Mr Wood’s friend, following a four-week trial, Essex Police said.

The force said he was cleared of murder.

In a statement released through police, Mr Wood’s family said: “Nothing will bring our awesome Andy back, but today’s verdict gives us a small amount of comfort and possibly some sort of closure to allow us to properly grieve going forward.

“The people that knew Andy, will know what a fantastic human being he was and he will be remembered by all that he touched, as an amazing, loving, caring, son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend that did not deserve to be taken away so soon.”

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, said “Today’s verdict brings conclusion to an extensive investigation by Essex Police which has lasted over a year.

“My thoughts remain with Andy’s family and friends at this difficult time, and I commend them for their strength throughout this investigation.”

A sentencing date has yet to be set.