Four teenagers have been sentenced for killing a 16-year-old boy out of revenge in a fatal attack where a single stab “pierced his heart”.

Kennie Carter died after being stabbed in the chest once in Stretford, Greater Manchester, on the evening of 22 January 2022.

Manchester crown court heard how the group of youths acted in revenge for an incident that occurred the day before the murder.

On Friday, a 16-year-old boy, who was 14 at the time of the killing, was sentenced by Mr Justice Goose to detention in a young offender institution with a minimum term of 16 years and 60 days after being convicted of murder last month.

The youth, who cannot be named because of his age, admitted he delivered the fatal blow with a “long knife” that “pierced” Kennie’s heart, but said it was in self-defence.

Latif Ferguson, of Old Trafford, who is now 18 but was 15 at the time, was sentenced to five years in a young offender institution, and two other 16-year-olds were sentenced to four years’ detention after they were all found guilty of manslaughter for “encouraging” the attack.

The jury found six others, now aged between 15 and 19, not guilty of manslaughter and murder.

Evidence presented by the prosecution showed the murder was committed out of revenge because of an incident the day before Kennie was killed, where “metal poles” were brandished.

On 22 January, the four convicted teenagers stole bikes from a block of flats, and were heard shouting: “This is revenge”.

After Kennie was killed, one of the youths was recorded on CCTV “showing off and demonstrating his stabbing action” to others.

Addressing the defendants, the judge said: “The stabbing occurred because of a perceived grievance between Kennie Carter and his associates and with the four of you.

“You were intent on causing Kennie Carter harm.”

The judge said to the youth convicted of murder: “Part of what may have caused you to commit this offence may be your need to appear strong and loyal to your associates who had been disrespected.

“I am sure that the knife used to stab Kennie Carter was your knife, which you took with you to use in revenge.”