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A schoolboy who stabbed a market trader to death after being asked to give back a stolen watch laughed after he was locked up for at least 15 years today.

Karlton Burton was just 14 when he plunged a knife into the chest of 29 year-old Rashid Naeem in front of horrified shoppers on a Sunday afternoon.

Burton, who associated with gangs and was on police bail for attacking a car with an axe, had earlier sneered at the father-of-two: "Are you scared?"

His accomplice Javauntee Campbell, 16, joined in the killing by pushing Rashid to the ground and punching Rashid's brother Sajid.

Burton, who suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is now aged 15, was convicted of murder while Campbell was convicted of manslaughter after a trial at the Old Bailey in July.

Judge Richard Hone QC described the stabbing as 'primeval' as he sentenced Burton to life imprisonment with a minimum of 15 years before parole.

(Image: National News)

The judge told Burton: "You were aged just 14 when you committed the murder of Rashid Naeem. By your actions that Sunday you have in effect passed a life sentence on all the members of your victim's close and devoted family.

"Rashid Naeem has two young children who will never again see their father. The pain and devastation you have caused to all these people is beyond description."

Judge Hone said that Burton had 'orchestrated' the attack on Mr Naeem in 'retaliation for some perceived disrespect'.

"This offence was committed in a Sunday public market with families and children present. You have a background which includes associating with gangs carrying knives.

"There is a really bad streak in your character which means you overreact to perceived insults."

The court heard Burton's mother feared he was turning into a 'gangster' and struggled to control his behaviour.

(Image: National News)

Burton shouted something at a group of youths in the public gallery and laughed as he was led down to the cells after the sentence.

Campbell, who appeared in court by video link from Feltham prison, showed no reaction as he was sentenced to 10 years detention in a Young Offenders Institution. He will serve half before being released on licence.

Rashid Naeem and his brother Sajid sold used mobile phones, watches and clocks at their stall in Queens Market in East Ham, east London.

On 16 February this year Burton, Campbell and a 15 year-old boy who cannot be named, approached the display and started fiddling some of their goods.

When Rashid and Sajid moved the phones back into the display box, Burton asked Rashid: 'Are you scared?'

Burton and Campbell grabbed a ladies watch each and walked off.

Campbell handed back one of the watches but a few minutes later the two boys were captured on CCTV 'rehearsing' their second confrontation with the brothers.

They then returned to the stall and started staring at the Naeem brothers..

(Image: Met Police)

When the Naeem brothers walked over towards the boys to ask them for the second stolen watch back, Burton lashed out and stabbed Rashid in the chest.

All three boys ran off leaving Rashid bleeding to death. He died in hospital two days later.

The teenagers were arrested an hour later after a police officer spotted the youths near the market.

Campbell was carrying the stolen watch but the murder weapon was not recovered.

All three boys were charged with murder before Mr Naeem had died after doctors said he would not survive.

Burton admitted causing the fatal injury but claimed he acted in self defence because he was scared and 'just wanted to run away'.

Medical experts said he suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which leads to 'persistent aggressive and defiant behaviour'.

Burton, of East Ham, east London, admitted possessing a knife in a public place and was convicted of murder.

Campbell, of East Ham, was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter by a majority of ten to one.

The unnamed 15 year-old boy, from Canning Town, was cleared of murder, manslaughter and possessing a blade in a public place.

Members of Mr Naeem's family sat in the courtroom as the two boys were sent down.

Later, investigating officer Detective Inspector Ken Hughes said: "Rashid Naeem was killed as he tried to protect the business he ran with his brother.

"This was a cold-blooded killing in broad daylight, carried out in a merciless fashion.

"Burton and Campbell attended the market armed with a knife. Whatever their intentions, to come armed meant they were prepared for violence.

"Throughout this trial, the defendants showed no remorse, despite having ample opportunity to do so. I can only hope that today's sentencing give Mr Naeem's family some form of closure."