THE family of murdered Ecclesfield teenager Dale Robertson has released a statement following the conviction of his killers.

Both Seaon Thompson, 16, of Crookes and Reece Mendez, 18, of Yewgreave Crescent, Ecclesfield, were found guilty of murdering Dale at Sheffield Crown Court.

Travis Hurst, 18, of Foxhill, was cleared of the murder but convicted of violent disorder, along with 17-year-old Spencer Jessop, of Southey Green.
Jonjo Broad and Shaun Pryor, both 18 and of Parson Cross were found not guilty of violent disorder along with a 17-year-old who cannot be named.

Eighteen-year-old Dale was attacked by a large number of youths in September of last year.

He was kicked and hit with pieces of wood and metal and then fatally stabbed in his heart and lungs in Rokeby Drive.

In a statement, Dale’s family said: “For the last nine weeks we have endured the court evidence detailing the horrendous circumstances under which Dale died.

“We would like to tell others how proud we are of Dale for the way in which he tried so hard to prevent the vicious attack upon him and also for the way he ran for his life, literally, only to be overcome by his attackers.

“Dale was a good person, he was not violent, he did not carry a weapon and did not belong to any gang.

“The hardest part of this trial has been listening to accusations made against Dale that are untrue.

“Dale's apparent crime was to be in the wrong area at the wrong time and it is our belief that his murder could have been prevented.

“We as Dale's family believe that each and every person that cowardly struck or kicked Dale as he lay dying in the road must live with the knowledge that they added to his suffering during his last moments.

“We hope that those who have received custodial sentences today reflect on the consequences of their actions as we have been robbed of a truly unique brother and son.”