THE family of a 21-year-old murdered in Clacton have paid tribute to the "loving and caring young man".
A 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted of Harry Burkett's murder today following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Speaking after a teenager was convicted, Harry's family said: “We will always remember, Harry, our handsome boy who had the brightest blue eyes ever, that lit up and sparkled when he talked to you.
“Harry would always light up the room with his infectious smile.
“He’s no longer here with us, but that doesn’t make him a forgotten part of our family.
"Harry will always be here with us, in heart and spirit.”
They paid tribute to the "loving, caring young man" Harry had become.
The family attended each day of the trial and listened as Harry’s last moments were played out in harrowing detail.
Victim - Harry Burkett, 21
The court heard Harry, from Grays, had arranged to meet up with friends in Clacton on September 11 last year.
The foursome headed into town for a night out but they parted company after Harry was declined entry to a nightclub, having forgotten his ID.
The two men walked into town and the two women returned to the club.
While in the town, Harry and his friend started talking to a young woman and man who were local to the area.
Shortly afterwards, they were joined by friends of the woman and man and initially everyone appeared to be getting on.
It is unclear what happened next, but it is thought that a disagreement took place between Harry and one other, which led to a chase.
Harry was confronted by the suspect in Orwell Road where he was stabbed with a knife.
Harry managed to escape but collapsed in Station Road at the junction with Rosemary Road where he was found by two passers-by.
Harry soon became unresponsive and died shortly afterwards in hospital in the early hours of September 12.
A post mortem found Harry’s cause of death was a single stab wound and a murder investigation was launched by our Major Crime Department.
After hours of extensive viewing of the town centre CCTV cameras, detectives pieced together the movements of Harry and his friend, with CCTV capturing the moment Harry was stabbed.
Detectives investigating, located the suspect at an Ipswich address and arrested him on September 15.
The teenager was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon and remanded in custody and appeared at Chelmsford Youth Court two days later.
He denied murdering Harry, claiming self-defence.
Tribute - Harry's family paid tribute to a 'loving and caring' young man
Det Insp Kev Hughes, who led the murder investigation, said: “My immediate thoughts are with Harry’s family and friends.
“I know today’s verdict will be little consolation for the loss of their loved one and nothing can bring Harry back.
“But I am proud to have led the investigation and proud of my team’s dedication to securing justice for Harry.
“The young man convicted of Harry’s murder was carrying a knife and claimed he was acting in self-defence.
“There is never, ever any justification to carry a knife. He knows that now.”
The 16-year-old is due to be sentenced at a later date.
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