Teenager Stands Trial for Murder of 13-Year-Old Jahziah Coke
By Jason King
A teenager accused of murdering 13-year-old Jahziah Coke fled the scene, caught a bus, and later searched for train tickets to Paris, a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court has heard.
Jahziah Coke was found with fatal stab wounds in the hallway of an Oldbury house on August 29 last year. Paramedics arrived to find him bleeding heavily, suffering a six-inch-deep chest woundthat had nearly severed a rib. Despite attempts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutor Kevin Hegarty KC said the defendant and another boy, who was initially charged but later cleared, escaped over garden fences before taking a bus to a female friend’s flat. The defendant, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared “stressed and sweaty” on arrival, she told police.
In recorded evidence, the friend said he used her phone to search for train tickets and asked for bleach, which she gave him in a plastic bottle. He also requested fresh clothes, saying he had wet himself. That evening, after learning of Jahziah’s death, she said the defendant became emotional, admitted struggling with him, and repeatedly said, “It shouldn’t have happened.”
Forensic scientist Gillian O’Boyle told the court diluted blood was found in the kitchen, suggesting a clean-up attempt. Blood was also discovered on a damaged bedroom door, banister, and stairway walls.
A man in his 40s, who cannot be named, is also on trial for allegedly helping the defendant evade arrest until he was found three days later.
The trial continues.
ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing
As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:
YOUNG OFFENDERS AND MURDER SENTENCING
In the UK, murder carries a mandatory life sentence, even for offenders under 18. However, sentencing differs from adults under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and Sentencing Act 2020.
Young offenders receive a custodial sentence known as “detention at His Majesty’s pleasure”, with a judge setting a minimum term before parole can be considered. The starting point is typically lower than for adults, but factors such as premeditation, use of weapons, or attempts to evade justice can increase the sentence.
Once released, they remain on licence for life, meaning any breach of conditions can result in recall to custody. Courts aim to balance punishment with rehabilitation, but public protection remains the priority.
Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.
Jason King
Birmingham City-Desk
Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews
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