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At just 18 years old, Connor lost his life after being stabbed while on a night out in Sunderland city centre.

Leighton Barrass, of Hartside Square, has been sentenced to life for Connor’s murder while Ally Gordon, of Polmuir Road, will serve a three-and-a-half year sentence for manslaughter.

The devastating crime, in February this year, shook the city, with countless tributes paid to the 18-year-old GP receptionist with the "infectious” smile.

Connor Brown's family speaks outside Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday, December 11.

More than nine months have now passed since the killing – a period of agony for Connor’s parents Tanya and Simon, sister Ellen and the rest of his loved ones.

But throughout this unimaginable time, they have been strong, brave and dedicated to honouring their son’s memory in ways he would want to be remembered.

Barrass and Gordon were convicted on Wednesday, December 11 and sentenced on Thursday, December 12.

Detective Superintendent John Bent, of Northumbria Police, spoke in the wake of the Barrass and Gordon’s convictions about the devastation inflicted upon the teenager’s family and friends following his death.

Connor Brown lost his life in February 2019.

In a statement, he praised Connor’s loved ones for their “amazing bravery and dignity” throughout the tragedy which shook the city.

He added: “I hope this case acts as a reminder to all communities we serve that carrying a knife under any circumstances is totally unacceptable and we will continue to work proactively to ensure action is taken against those found to have carried a weapon.”

In the midst of their son’s murder trial, Tanya and Simon made the selfless decision to think of others in the run-up to Christmas by donating a bag full of presents to Pallion Action Group and Parker Trust.

They will be handed out to teenagers and young adults across the community, each bearing a sticker with Connor’s name.

Connor Brown's parents Simon and Tanya collect a Special Recognition Award in his name at the South Tyneside nad Sunderland Health Awards.

Earlier this year, the couple also accepted a Special Recognition prize at the Sunderland and South Tyneside Health Awards in recognition of the impact he had on the local community during his work at the Happy House Surgery in Durham Road, Sunderland.

Connor Brown murder: Family of Sunderland teenager show incredible bravery and dignity during ordeal of trial