Kerrin Repman's mother pays tribute as murderer is convicted

Keith McCarthy, of Hordle Street, Dovercourt, was convicted of murdering dad-of-three Kerrin Repman, 29, at Chelmsford Crown Court and told to expect a life sentence.

Jane Rochford said she stared into McCarthy’s eyes upon arriving at court to let him know she wasn’t afraid of him.

“Whatever sentence he gets is never going to bring Kerrin back but it has given us the justice we’ve waited for for two-anda-half years,” she said, speaking exclusively to the Gazette.

Talented - Kerrin Repman

“For all the mental and physical torture he put Kerrin through, not just taking his life, I hope they throw the book at him.”

During the seven-day trial, the court heard Kerrin, 29, had been targeted by McCarthy due to a dispute with a drug dealer.

The feud ended in tragedy when, following an 80mph pursuit, Kerrin was rammed off his moped in Marine Parade in April 2020 and died from his injuries.

Ms Rochford admitted her son had his demons but claimed he had courageously battled to tackle them.

Destroyed - Kerrin Repman's moped at the scene (Image: Essex Police)

“McCarthy may have taken Kerrin from us but he will never, ever take from us the memories and love we shared with him,” she added.

“Our Kerrin was good natured, he had a very good heart but unfortunately he got dragged down because he was never left alone.

“He would help anyone, all who knew him would say that.

“He always had a big beaming smile on his face and we feel that sunshine has been taken out of our lives.”

Kind-hearted - Kerrin Repman (Image: Newsquest)

The mother added she did not know what would happen in the trial but said she listened to its entirety in honour of her son.

She said: “For Kerrin, for his children and for the family, we are so relieved this man is now behind bars.”

McCarthy, 42, will be sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on November 3.