Mother grieves for her son (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Mother grieves for her son

10:30am Tuesday 27th January 2004 in

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THE DEVASTATED mother of stabbing victim Jay Middleton said her son was a happy-go-lucky person who was a delight to raise.

Paulette Blackwood, of Colegrave Road, Leyton, had her 51st birthday recently, and said it made the death of her only child even harder to bear.

She added: "I would ask people to come forward if they have information. Nobody can understand how it feels to lose a child in this way until you have gone through it. I would not want any other parent to go through this suffering."

Ms Blackwood was in Jamaica for her father Kenneth's funeral when she received the news that her son died in a bloody attack.

Jay, who lived with his mother, stayed behind in the UK because he had recently started a job at a Chingford double-glazing firm.

The 20-year-old was walking with two friends towards Chingford Road, Walthamstow, on Thursday, January 8, when they became involved in an argument with six youths around 1.30pm.

Jay was stabbed five times and slashed. He managed to stagger to a nearby shop in Chingford Road and raised the alarm, but he died soon after. His two friends were unharmed. It is believed they left the scene.

His car, a Ford Ka that was parked in nearby Brookscroft Road, was found vandalised with its windows smashed, tyres slashed and dents on the bodywork.

Ms Blackwood said: "Jay's death has left a gaping hole in our lives. People have been so great to us and we have pulled together as a family. We are coping with our loss by helping the police.

"Jay was a bubbly person, who loved his music and always looked out for his friends and family."

The 20-year-old lived in Leyton his entire life. He attended Barclay Junior School, Leytonstone Secondary School, and studied media studies at Epping Forest College.

His father Erol lives nearby in Leyton. Jay has two half-brothers and three half-sisters.

Detectives were back at the scene of the incident last Thursday handing out leaflets to encourage witnesses to come forward.

DCI Keith Garnish said: "This was a violent attack. Jay was stabbed five times and slashed a number of times. He was stabbed in the back, which suggests he was trying to get away from his attackers."

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact the incident room on 8345 3715 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

• A man has been charged with murder. He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey. Four other men have been arrested and released on police bail pending further inquiries.