A murder trial has ended with two teenagers being found guilty of murdering 17-year-old Brett Lodge in an attack that happened in Edinburgh last year.
Brett was punched, kicked and struck with a baseball bat in the assault, which happened in the Liberton area of the Capital. He suffered serious injuries, and died in hospital eight days later.
Today, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Declan Robertson (17) and Andrew Parfinowski(18), were found guilty of his murder.
They were remanded in custody, and will return to the High Court for sentence on December 6th.
A third accused, Cameron McKail (17) was found guilty of assault, and was bailed. He will also appear for sentence on December 6th.
Brett was attacked after a party that happened at an address in Claverhouse Drive on the evening of July 1st.
An argument had taken place at the party, and Brett was subjected to a sustained attack on a pathway running between Claverhouse Drive and Glendining Crescent, where he suffered serious head injuries that would ultimately prove fatal.
Detective Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, Head of CID at Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Brett was subjected to a vicious and sustained assault inflicted by individuals who, fuelled by alcohol, were intent on causing him harm.
“Brett’s death has had a huge impact on his family, and it is my sincere hope that today’s convictions bring some comfort to them.
“At this time I would like to thank them for the assistance they provided police during the course of the investigation into Brett’s murder, and to pay tribute to their courage and dignity during what has been a harrowing ordeal for them.”
In a statement released on behalf of Brett’s family, his mother Gillian Lodge said: “Brett was a happy boy with a cheeky sense of humour, who was kind, caring, and did his best to help others and cheer people up.
“He spent a great deal of time with his family, and was very popular with his friends.
“He was an active boy who loved sport and fitness, especially ice skating, and he loved trying new things like roller coasters and skiing, which he was lucky to do in the French Alps.
“He was a loving son, grandson and brother, who always listened to his sister’s advice and always made time for his little brother.
“Losing Brett in this way has been horrendous for our family, and has left a big hole in our hearts. It is still hard to believe he has gone, and harder still to know that his life was taken by people he trusted, and thought of as friends.”
“Today’s decision at court will give us some kind of closure, and will mean that those responsible for Brett’s death will face the consequences of their actions, which have devastated our family.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
