A FORMER Epping Forest College student has been jailed along with his friend for plotting to murder a pregnant 15-year-old over fears she would get in the way of his ambition to be a music star.

Brandon Jolie and his accomplice Kingsley Ogundele, both 19, hatched a plan to kill the girl after discovering that she was pregnant with Jolie's child, leading him to worry that she would ruin his chances of becoming a famous producer.

After Jolie had lured her to Regents Canal one evening in November last year via text messages, Ogundele confronted the teenager, hit her over the head, pushed her into the water and then tried to drown her.

She was only saved by a passer-by who chased Ogundele off after spotting him holding her head under the water at the scene in Islington.

Her unborn child survived unharmed, while she suffered minor head injuries.

Jolie, of Bute Street, Luton, was today sentenced to 14 years and Ogundele, of Retford Road, Romford, was sentenced to 18 years.

They were both earlier found guilty of conspiracy to murder.

In summing up Judge Worsley QC said: "You intended that not only would she die but her unborn baby would die too.

"The best years of your life are to be spent behind bars. This offence is not only a tragedy for the victim and her family but for your families too."

Detective Inspector Helen Williams from the Islington Police Community Safety Unit said: "Today's sentencing result reflects the severity of their crime.

"If it wasn't for the courageous intervention of a passer-by I strongly believe this would have been a murder investigation.

"The impact of this crime is immense. The victim was left extremely traumatised and there is also her child to consider. The offenders, particularly Jolie, had bright futures ahead of them which they have themselves destroyed.

"It's hard to comprehend the casual way in which Ogundele and Jolie callously plotted to kill the victim - all because they didn't want Jolie's aspirations of fame to be affected.

"That both Ogundele and Jolie have been convicted and jailed for a long time is testament to the police investigation - in particular the professionalism and dedication of our officers and the experts who assisted us."