THIS is the teenager who murdered 17-year-old Michael Wright over a £15 debt.

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

A jury found Walters-Stewart guilty of murder and Judge Justice Cooke yesterday sentenced him, ruling that he must serve at least 14 years behind bars.

Justice Cooke lifted reporting restrictions protecting Walters-Stewart's identity, meaning his picture can be published for the first time.

The court 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."