A 17-year-old boy from Dartford has pleaded guilty to offences linked to the death of 15-year-old Jamal Ringrose at a house party in north-west London.
The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon following an incident in Dudden Hill on 30 May. Police were called to reports of a stabbing and disorder at around 10.36pm, and Jamal was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. He died on 4 June, five days later.
At Bromley Magistrates’ Court, the 17-year-old entered guilty pleas to both offences and was remanded in youth detention accommodation ahead of sentencing. Court records state he was remanded after conviction because of concerns including his previous record, breaches of bail and the seriousness of the case. The record also states: “The offence is serious where another young person has lost his life.”
He is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court in December for sentencing.
A different 16-year-old boy has been charged with Jamal’s murder. That is a separate case from the guilty pleas entered by the 17-year-old, and the two must not be confused: one defendant has admitted violent disorder and weapon possession, while the murder charge against the other boy is a distinct matter before the courts.
Jamal’s mother, Whitney Ringrose, has described her son as “the light of my world”. She has spoken of a bubbly, unique young person who was taken far too soon, and of the additional vulnerability he faced as a young person with special educational needs and ADHD.
Police have said officers were continuing to pursue several lines of enquiry following Jamal’s death.
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