Harleigh Hepworth: Teen jailed for life for Wolverhampton park murder

As Harleigh was stabbed, Esterine put his arm around his friend to stop him getting involved, the force said.

Afterwards, Esterine held a knife to the friend’s chest, threatening to kill him unless he handed over the passcode to his phone, which they then stole.

He then fled, dropping one of the stolen phones in a nearby drain, police said.

Harleigh, who lived with his grandfather and had turned 17 two weeks before his death, died at the scene despite passers-by giving him first aid.

His family said he had positive plans for his future.

“Harleigh had a great sense of humour, he was funny, and he was polite,” they said.

“We will miss him massively, but we will always remember his cheekiness, his infectious smile and the fun times we had together.

“Harleigh’s is another young life lost before they had the chance to know what life is about.”