A teenager has been jailed for life for the murder of 17-year-old Charlie Cosser at a party in Sussex.

Yura Varybrus, now aged 17, attended a party in Marches Lane, Warnham, and at about midnight on Saturday, July 22 into the early hours of Sunday, July 23, he stabbed Charlie.

Tragically, Charlie, from Milford in Surrey, died in hospital from his injuries on July 25, leaving his family devastated.

They said: “Our lives have been destroyed by the tragic and unnecessary loss of our son.”

Varybrus was found guilty of murder and of possessing a bladed article after a trial at Brighton Law Courts in May.

Her Honour Judge Christine Henson KC granted an application made by the media to lift his anonymity at the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, June 19.

Varybrus was sentenced to life in prison and was told he must serve a minimum of 16 years before he can be considered for parole.

In a video interview with Sussex Police, dad Martin Cosser said Charlie was nicknamed “Cheeks” as a baby, and said his son was “exceptionally witty and funny”.

Speaking after the case, the family of Charlie Cosser, including dad Martin, mum Tara, older brother Adam and younger sister Eloise have described the devastating impact the murder has had on them.

A statement from Martin Cosser on behalf the family said: “Our son Charlie was just 17-years-old when he went out to a party and never came home.

“The evil and cowardly act by Yura Varybrus deprived Charlie of a very bright and exciting future, and took him away from a mum, a dad, a brother and a sister who loved him more than words can say.

“His extended family and his friends have also lost someone they loved very much. Charlie Cosser was a beautiful human being and this world is a lot worse off without him.

“But we will ensure, as his family and loved ones, that he is never forgotten, and our charity Charlie’s Promise was set up in memory of him, to tackle the epidemic of knife crime.

“This serves to be the legacy he so rightly deserves. We will not let Varybrus take any more from us as a family.”

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “This was a devastating crime which has had a huge impact on the family of Charlie as well as the lives of so many other young people.

“I would like to say thank you to Charlie’s family for their support throughout our complex investigation, and to say thank you to all the witnesses for coming forward and the community for their support. This is what has made it possible to get justice for Charlie, his family, loved ones and friends.

This tragic case demonstrates the lasting impact that carrying a knife can have. Not only has Yura Varybrus robbed Charlie of his life, but his actions have also had a devastating and lasting impact on his own and countless others.

“This would not have happened if a knife had not been taken to a party. I would urge anyone who carries a knife to realise that all it does is put you, your friends and family in danger. Please don’t.”