Yousef Makki death: Boy who stabbed teen gets early release Published duration 26 February

image caption Joshua Molnar was referred to as Boy A during the trial at Manchester Crown Court

The early release of a teenager who stabbed his friend in the heart has been described as "crushing" by the dead boy's family.

Joshua Molnar, now 18, was cleared of murder and manslaughter following the death of Yousef Makki, 17, but was detained for possessing a knife.

His release comes six days before the first anniversary of the incident in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester.

The Ministry of Justice said its "thoughts were with Yousef's family".

A trial heard Molnar acted in self-defence when Yousef pulled out a knife in a row over an attempt to rob a drug dealer on 2 March 2019.

image copyright Family handout image caption Yousef Makki, 17, was stabbed in the heart with a flick knife

However, Molnar falsely suggested Yousef had been stabbed by someone who drove off in a grey VW Polo, information which was circulated on the police network.

Molnar was sentenced to be detained for eight months and given a training order, after he admitted perverting the course of justice and possession of a knife.

At the time, Yousef's family described the sentence as "disappointing".

In a statement on Tuesday, they wrote: "To receive the news some six days before such a pivotal date in the lives of Yousef's many friends and family members, is simply crushing.

"There is no other word for it."

The Ministry of Justice said it understands the "distress" the release of an offender can cause.

A spokesperson added: "Anyone released from prison faces strict conditions while on licence, such as curfews and exclusion zones, and can be returned to custody if they breach them."