TWO teenagers have been found guilty of the murder of 13-year-old Olly Stephens following a six-week trial. 

The boys, both 14-years-old, were found guilty of causing the death of Olly after he was stabbed at Bugs Bottom fields in Emmer Green on January 3, 2021 -- just 200 yards from his home.

The jury was sent to deliberate last week and discussed the case for 18 hours and seven minutes before a unanimous verdict was reached. 

LIVE UPDATES: Reaction and updates after teenagers found guilty of murdering Olly Stephens

Returning their decision today, the jury found both defendants guilty of the murder of Olly Stephens. 

The older defendant has already pleaded guilty to manslaughter and to one count of perverting the course of justice. 

He was found guilty by the jury of another count of perverting the course of justice having got rid of some items of clothing following Olly's death.

The younger defendant was found not guilty of one count of perverting the course of justice. 

Neither defendant appeared to react following the verdicts. 

The boys are set to be sentenced in September. 

ALSO READ: Doorstep footage shows Olly Stephens in final moments before fatal stabbing

Charles White for the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Olly was the victim of a violent and senseless attack, which tragically left him with fatal injuries.

“Our case was that the three teenagers had planned the attack together and the two boys, armed with a knife, set out to the park intending to cause Olly serious harm.

“All three disposed of evidence linking them to Olly’s death including shared videos and messages, but their digital footprint proved to be their undoing.

“The evidence retrieved from their phones and social media accounts played a vital part in the case we presented to the jury, which has today found both boys guilty of Olly’s murder.”

Reading Crown Court previously heard that Olly was convinced to go to the park by a 14-year-old girl, where he was then “ambushed” by the two boys and stabbed to death.

The court heard both of the male attackers had “grievances” with Olly, while the girl is said to have described any violence against him as “karma” in the run-up to his death.

The younger boy, who was 13 at the time, used a knife to stab Olly while the older boy was fighting with him, the court previously heard.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: “I am pleased that the full facts of Olly’s death have now been established and that those responsible for his murder have been held to account. Olly’s family have told me on many occasions how he was a young man who stood up for the underdog and what was fair – I hope that Olly would feel that in that sense, justice has been achieved.

“But this is not a case where any of us should be celebrating these verdicts and this outcome.

“The circumstances of this case are horrific, and will no doubt shock and appal people. Olly’s completely unnecessary killing, orchestrated and carried out by three other children, should horrify us as a society.

“A 13-year-old boy with a bright future ahead of him has died in the most tragic circumstances, over a childish argument between a group of his peers. His family and friends have been devastated by his loss.

 “The impact of this case on those involved cannot be overstated. One young life has been ended, and three others have been changed forever, not to mention the lives of everyone else who knew and loved Olly.

“I would like to pay tribute to Olly’s parents, sister and his wider family who have had to listen over the last four weeks to details of the terrible events that led to Olly’s tragic death.

ALSO READ: Olly Stephens family tribute as teen's found guilty of murder

“No parents should be made to endure this kind of horror and then have to listen to detailed evidence of their son’s final moments, along with the dreadful revelation of the determined plan by those involved to ambush Olly and attack him. 

“The courage, patience and dignity they have displayed from the first tragic moments of this case has been truly remarkable and I cannot thank them enough for this. 

“I would also like to thank those members of the public and medical staff who provided first aid and comfort to Olly and his family that afternoon. They were faced with a shocking situation and the courage, determination and public spirit they showed was exemplary. I know that Olly’s family are incredibly grateful for their efforts and take real comfort in the care and support that Olly was given.

“Olly’s death is a tragedy that should never have happened. We all have a duty to educate and protect the children of our communities to ensure other families do not suffer the same devastation.”

In a statement issued through police after his death, Olly’s family described the youngster as “an enigma” who “could get his own way with a wry smile and a cheeky grin”.

They added: “An Olly-sized hole has been left in our hearts.”