Connor Brown murder: Barrass sentenced to LIFE with minimum of 20 years behind bars - while Gordon receives three-and-a-half year sentence

Connor Brown, who’s smile has been described as ‘infectious’, was brutally murdered in an alleyway near Park Lane in the early hours of Sunday, February 24.

He was stabbed five times.

Leighton Barrass, who was found guilty of murdering the 18-year-old, has been sentenced to life and will serve a minimum of 20 years.

Ally Gordon was found not guilty of murder, but was found guilty of manslaughter and possession of a bladed weapon. He has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.

There were gasps in the courtroom as Gordon’s sentence was read out.

Ahead of the sentencing, Honourable Mr Justice Lavender, heard a victim impact statement from Connor’s family.

The statement from Connor’s mum Tanya on behalf of her husband Simon and daughter Ellen said they have been devastated by the loss of Connor and their lives will never been the same again.

She has spoken of how they still expect Connor to come home and how the couple are struggling to sleep.

She says they will never be able to see their son get married or share the happy times they had expected to enjoy together.

Yesterday the family issued an emotional statement from the steps of the court following the guilty verdicts.

The judge said ahead of sentencing that he had taken into account the defendants’ age and has read reports about Barrass, which says he has depressive and personality issues, but not a personality disorder.

He said Gordon does not meet be test for an extended sentence and says he is not sure if Gordon knew Barrass had a knife.