Svenson Ong-a-Kwie, left, and Arron Isaacs, have been jailed for the 17-year-old’s murder
Svenson Ong-a-Kwie, 19, of Hillfoot Road, Collier Row, was today told he will serve a minimum of 26 years for fatally stabbing the 17-year-old in Amy’s Park in March.
Arron Isaacs, 17, of Westrow Drive, Barking, was given at least 18 years. He previously could not be named because of his age, but the judge approved an application to lift restrictions on reporting his identity.
The pair were found guilty of murder following an eight-week trial at The Old Bailey.
Two others were cleared of Jodie’s murder.
Ong-a-Kwie and the boy went into Amy’s Park on a dark evening and stabbed Jodie in the back without warning.
It is believed she was killed in a case of mistaken identity, with Ong-a-Kwie targeting a rival drug dealer who was not in the park.
She sadly died on the way to hospital.
Jodie at London Pride in 2018
Commander for the East Area Borough Command Unit, Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman, said: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with Jodie’s family as sentencing is today passed down to the two people responsible for her murder.
“It has almost been nine months since Jodie was killed in Harold Hill, and nothing could ever have justified the extinguishing of her young life.
“Havering, like many boroughs across London, has experienced the tragic and inexcusable loss of young life as a result of knife-related violence.
“This is why bearing down on violent crime on the streets of our capital continues to be the Met’s top priority. We will continue to work tirelessly – day and night – to identify and pursue offenders, help bring perpetrators to justice, take weapons off the street, support victims, engage and reassure the public, and keep our communities safe.
“We all have our part to play in tackling violent crime and our communities are key to this. My message to anyone who may have information about crime or those who carry a weapon or, through exploiting people, put young people’s lives at risk is simple: have the trust and confidence to tell us and please don’t be a bystander.”
Cath Carrie, a Senior Crown Prosecutor in the CPS’s London homicide team, said: “The court heard today how the cowardly actions of these two men have ripped apart a family and a community.
“Jodie was a talented, caring and much-loved teenager and had gone to the park that night to spend time with friends. Her life was cruelly taken away as a result of a senseless dispute linked to the drug-dealing activities of these individuals.
“I would like to pay tribute to the strength of Jodie’s family and friends and for the support they have given the CPS prosecution in bringing this case to court. I hope they are able to take some comfort that these two murderers will now spend many years in prison.
“This prosecution was underpinned by a meticulous investigation by the police who were instrumental in bringing those responsible for Jodie’s murder to justice.”
Tags: Havering, Dagenham, Barking, Collier Row, Harold Hill, Jodie Chesney
