Sentence extended for 'violent man' who helped friend fatally stab Harleigh Hepworth
A man who helped his friend fatally knife Staffordshire teen Harleigh Hepworth has had his sentence increased following an appeal.
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Jovarn Esterine, 18, from Wolverhampton, has had his sentence increased by two years after solicitor general Lucy Rigby KC MP referred his case to the Court of Appeal.
The update comes after the court heard that on March 7, 2024, Harleigh and his friend travelled to Wolverhampton, where they met with Esterine and another teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Harleigh, who was from Rugeley, Staffordshire, and his friend were taken to the nearby West Park before being asked to hand over their phones.
When Harleigh asked for his phone back, he was stabbed by the teenager. At the same time, Esterine held Harleigh's friend at knifepoint, preventing him from helping his friend.
Esterine and his accomplice then fled the scene, leaving Harleigh to die in the park.
On January 28, 2025, at Manchester Crown Court, Jovarn Esterine was sentenced to seven years' detention after he was convicted of one count of manslaughter, one count of carrying a bladed weapon and two counts of robbery.
Now, on Friday, May 9, the Court of Appeal quashed Esterine's sentence and substituted it for a total of nine years' detention.
Talking about the increase, solicitor general Lucy Rigby KC MP said: "I was shocked by the brutal violence in this case. Jovarn Esterine played an important role in Harleigh’s killing before callously leaving him to die on the ground.
"Harleigh had his whole life ahead of him and I would like to offer my sympathies to Harleigh’s family and friends.
"The court has quite rightly increased Jovarn Esterine’s sentence. This government will not tolerate mindless violence, and I will intervene to ensure justice is served."
