Jurors at Hove Crown Court convicted a 16-year-old of murdering Joshua Ingram, 16, following a stabbing at Seaford railway station on 10 September 2025. The attack, carried out with a 19cm (7.5 inch) combat-style knife, was linked by prosecutors to a £20 cannabis debt and threatening Snapchat messages. Two other teenagers were acquitted of conspiracy but were implicated in related offences; sentencing for all three is due in October. Joshua's family urged young people to "choose a different path" and highlighted the devastating impact of knife crime.
16-Year-Old Convicted Of Murder After Stabbing Over £20 Cannabis Debt At Seaford Railway Station
The teenager described stabbing Ingram, pictured, as a "tragic and reckless moment" [Family handout]
A 16-year-old has been found guilty of murdering another 16-year-old, Joshua Ingram, after a stabbing at Seaford railway station in East Sussex on 10 September 2025. The attack, carried out with a 19cm (7.5 inch) combat-style knife, left Joshua with two fatal wounds and has prompted renewed concern about teen knife crime.
Verdict And Sentencing
Jurors at Hove Crown Court returned the guilty verdict on Wednesday after two days of deliberation. The convicted teenager had earlier entered a plea to an alternative charge of manslaughter, describing the episode as a “tragic and reckless moment.” All three defendants were acquitted of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent. Sentencing for all three boys is scheduled for October.
Joshua Ingram's family stood on the steps outside Hove Crown Court as Det Chief Insp Paul Stanley read a statement on their behalf [Charlie Rose/ BBC]
Other Defendants
Two other boys, aged 15 and 17, faced related charges. The 15-year-old was found guilty of assisting an offender; the 17-year-old had previously admitted the same offence. Neither was convicted of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent.
Evidence Presented
Prosecutors told the court the attack was linked to a £20 cannabis debt and to threatening messages sent via Snapchat. In June 2025 the defendant sent messages to Joshua that included an expletive and homophobic language referring to a "£20 sheet," and another message warned, "Josh will perish" if the debt was not paid. Defence counsel sought to characterise these messages as immature posturing intended to impress peers.
A 7.5 inch (19cm) knife used in the attack [British Transport Police]
CCTV played to the jury showed the 16-year-old approaching Seaford station, moving onto the platform and then attacking Joshua before leaving the scene. A local witness told the court she had seen two agitated boys and heard one say: "my best friend has just stabbed somebody in Seaford."
Family Reaction
"We hope Josh's story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of knife crime," the family said in a statement read outside court by British Transport Police Detective Chief Inspector Paul Stanley. "Too many of these incidents result in loss of life. This reckless behaviour devastates countless lives."
Joshua, from Newhaven, had been two days into a college brick-laying course; classmates told his family he "took to it like a duck to water." The family described him as a "cheeky chappie who was loved by many" and said that while the conviction brings a measure of justice, it cannot replace his life.
Ongoing Proceedings
Police investigations and court processes continue as the case moves to sentencing next month. The verdict has reignited calls from Joshua's family and community leaders for young people to avoid violent behaviour and for continued efforts to tackle knife crime among teenagers.
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