Commemorative Walk Held for Murdered Teenager on His 17th Birthday

A commemorative walk was organized by the family of a teenager who was killed almost four years prior, coinciding with what would have been his 17th birthday. Olly Stephens was fatally stabbed at the age of 13 in Emmer Green, Reading, on 3 January 2021. Relatives, friends, and community members participated in the walk, proceeding from St Barnabas Church to Bugs Bottom, the site of Olly’s death, and then to a mural located at his previous school. Stuart Stephens, Olly’s father, stated that the purpose of the walk was about “building communities and building relationships”. He remarked: “Olly loved fun and he loved cake – so it is great that we can share those things with our community.” He added that while “There are a lot of organisations out there that can offer support to people, but it’s about making those connections and having the right people talk to each other.” Natasha Moore, a friend of the Stephens family, expressed that it was “lovely so many turned out” for the event. She commented, “[The Stephens] are an amazing family for everything they are doing and for keeping Olly’s memory alive.” A raffle took place, aimed at collecting funds for three charitable organizations: Parenting Special Children, No.5 – children’s mental health counselling, and the Ben Kinsella Trust, an anti-knife crime education charity. Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust, stated: “Olly’s murder was a tragedy and something that resonates with us all – losing a brother or a son to knife crime is one of the most appalling tragedies that can befall a family.” He mentioned his attendance at the event was to “show solidarity” with the Stephens family. During a 2021 trial at Reading Crown Court, it was revealed that Olly had been enticed to Bugs Bottom Field, close to his residence, by an acquaintance following a social media disagreement. He was then “ambushed” by two boys. One received a 13-year sentence for murder, while the other was sentenced to 12 years. The girl, aged 13 at the time, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and initially received a sentence of three years and two months, which the Court of Appeal subsequently extended to five years. For legal reasons, the identities of those convicted cannot be disclosed.