Bradley Walters-Stewart, of Forest Lane, Stratford is jailed for life for killing Michael Wright, of Lake Road, Leyton, outside Maryland station

Bradley Walters-Stewart, 16, of Forest Lane, Stratford, plunged a knife into the stomach of Michael Wright near Maryland Station on February 19 this year.

At the Old Bailey today a jury found Walters-Stewart guilty of murder and Judge Justice Cooke this afternoon sentenced him, ruling that he must serve at least 14 years behind bars.

The court had earlier heard that the two teenagers had met in Leytonstone Road, near Maryland Station, and after a brief argument, Walters-Stewart plunged a 20cm kitchen knife into Mr Wright.

Walters-Stewart claimed the knife was used in self-defence as Mr Wright, of Lake Road, Leyton, had earlier threatened him with a bottle in a row over the debt.

The knife severed a main artery and he was pronounced dead an hour after the fatal attack.

Walters-Stewart was arrested the following day and a hoodie found at his home was found to contain traces of Mr Wright's blood.

Mr Wright, a former Leyton Sixth Form College student, lived with his mother Florence and brother Arthur.

An emotional Mrs Wright said: "I wanted a better life for my children. "Michael was a nice-looking boy, a brilliant student. "He had a bright future ahead of him. When I remember him I always shed tears."