Two men were jailed for life today after murdering a teenager.
Nico Ramsay, 19, of Eastern Road in Plaistow, was stabbed to death in Southend in February by Nathan Sylvester and Troy Lewis.
At Chelmsford Crown Court Sylvester, 26, a labourer from Perth Road, Plaistow, was given a minimum of 25 years for murder, two years for possession of a class A drug with intent to supply and six years for two other counts of class A drug possession. The sentences will run concurrently.
Lewis, 21, unemployed and of Odessa Road in Forest Gate, was sentenced to a minimum of 23 years for murder, three years for one count of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, another three years for possession of an offensive weapon and six years for two counts of possession of a class A drugs with intent to supply. His sentences will also run concurrently.
Speaking after the hearing, Det Insp Danny Stoten, of Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Sylvester and Lewis came into this county to deal drugs and prey on the vulnerable.
“They attacked Nico Ramsay as he lay defenceless, calling for someone to help him.
“They have shown absolutely no remorse and I welcome the lengthy sentences.”
He added: “Sylvester will be 51 years old and Lewis 44 years old before they are even considered for release.”
Mr Ramsay was stabbed in the chest in Napier Avenue, in Southend, on February 13 and died in hospital on February 17.
According to witness accounts and CCTV footage, three men chased Mr Ramsay before bringing him to the ground.
One man, still outstanding, then stabbed him once in the chest before Mr Ramsay was dragged along the ground by Sylvester and kicked by Lewis.
Mr Ramsay was left dying in the street while the trio got into a taxi and fled.
Both Lewis and Sylvester denied murder.
Mr Ramsay – whose stage name was Y.Nasty – was a grime rapper who had dreams of opening his own cafe.
In a statement released in March, his family – which includes Nasty Crew members Rinse FM DJ Marcus Nasty and rapper Lil Nasty – said they missed his “kind spirit” and “cheeky smile”.
“He had a life full of hope and promise ahead of him,” they added.
“Nico was family orientated, forever loyal and full of hope and ambition to do well.
“He was a caring and genuine young man who loved his brothers, nieces, nephews and cousin, always encouraging and supporting them to do well. In testament to his loyalty, Nico was with his girlfriend ‘Gels’ for more than seven years.”
Having survived leukaemia as a child, the family said it was “tragic” to see him taken away by killers.
“Now we will never see Nico grow into an adult, see his children or see him open his own cafe.”
Det Insp Stolen also appealed for information about Allcie Houlder, who police wish to speak to in connection with Mr Ramsay’s murder.
A European Arrest Warrant has been issued for Houlder and anyone who knows anything about his whereabouts is asked to call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
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