Teen murder conviction is 'bitter sweet' - father

The father of a teenager who died after being stabbed at a party said the moment the attacker was convicted of murder was "bitter sweet".

Charlie Cosser, 17, died two days after being stabbed at a party in Warnham, West Sussex, in July 2023.

A youth, who was 16 at the time and cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted of murder at Brighton Crown Court on Tuesday.

Martin Cosser, from Milford, Surrey, has launched a charity to fight knife crime in his son's memory.

Speaking to BBC Radio Surrey, he described the moment he heard the verdict.

"Exhilaration for about 30 seconds and then the reality that nothing changes for us, we have a life sentence and Charlie isn't coming home," he said.

"But I think it was really important that the defendant was held to account.

"He showed no remorse at all and it was very difficult in court for us.

"Hopefully we can start the grieving process."

The defendant had originally pleaded guilty to murder but was allowed to change it, something Mr Cosser said put him and his family through "six months of hell".

He said: "When you're sat there and you hear about your son's last words and where he was found, and the condition he was in, what he's put us through by not sticking to his original plea, we didn't need to hear it all.

"We've heard things that we'll never be able to unhear."

Mr Cosser has founded the Charlie's Promise charity to teach young people about the dangers of knife crime.

He said: "I want to work alongside other charities, I want to work alongside Surrey Police.

"The more we come together the sooner we can make a dent in knife crime.

"I'm not going to be able to eradicate it but, I tell you what, this charity is going to make a difference."

Det Ch Insp Kimball Edey, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the family, friends and loved-ones of Charlie following this devastating incident.

“This was a complex and fast-moving investigation. We are grateful for all the public’s support and for the witnesses who came forward to help ensure we got justice for Charlie.

“We will make further comment upon sentencing of the defendant.”

The defendant has been remanded in custody, to appear for sentencing on June 19.

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