Teen admits murder of 'happy and smiling' boy, 14, stabbed in brawl near station
A 17-year-old boy has admitted murdering a 'happy and smiling' boy who was stabbed at a brawl near a train station.
Jermaine Cools was fatally stabbed after a fight broke out near West Croydon railway station in south London, on November 18, 2021.
The 14-year-old was rushed to hospital but tragically died of his injuries.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, now faces a life sentence after pleading guilty to the crime this morning (Monday).
He pleaded guilty to murder, having previously admitted possessing a knife in Croydon on the same date.
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Jermaine Cools (Met Police)Jermaine's family sat in Court Two of the Old Bailey on what would have been the first day of the defendant's trial.
Prosecutor Caroline Carberry KC suggested a provisional sentencing date of February 24.
No facts were outlined in the brief hearing, and the youth was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing.
Parents and family of Jermaine Cools, who was stabbed to death in Croydon (Humphrey Nemar)Speaking previously, Met Police said Jermaine's family had been left devastated by the youngster's murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Vandenbergh from Specialist Crime who led the probe into the killing said back in 2021: “Jermaine’s family have been left devastated by his murder and we need to identify the person responsible for this; if you can help please get in touch with my team or you can leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers.”
Lorraine Dudek, Jermaine's mum, previously told MyLondon: "For a 14-year-old he was like the head of our family. He was so grown up. He was always happy and always smiling, just your average 14-year-old."
The crime marked the 27th fatal stabbing in the capital of that year - the worst since 2017 - with Jermaine the youngest to be killed.
A total of 30 teenagers died from knife or gun-related violence in London in the same year.
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