A 16-year-old boy has been found guilty of murdering teenager Joshua Ingram in a knife attack at Seaford railway station following a dispute linked to a £25 cannabis debt. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted of murder at Hove Crown Court on Wednesday, August 5, following a major investigation by British Transport Police (BTP). He had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a bladed article. A 15-year-old boy was also found guilty of assisting an offender, while a 17-year-old boy had previously pleaded guilty to the same offence. All three teenagers are due to be sentenced at Hove Crown Court on October 2.
Joshua stabbed at Seaford railway station
Emergency services were called to Seaford railway station at around 5pm on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, following reports of a stabbing. Joshua, 16, was found seriously injured on the platform. Paramedics and members of the public desperately attempted to save him, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. The murder suspect was arrested at his home in Seaford around 40 minutes later. BTP detectives launched an extensive investigation involving CCTV footage, witness statements and analysis of mobile phone evidence.
CCTV captured teenager following Joshua
The court heard CCTV captured the moment the defendant spotted Joshua in Seaford town centre as the victim walked with a friend after college. He then followed Joshua into the railway station. The teenager attacked Joshua from behind with a 19cm hunting knife, stabbing him twice before fleeing the station. Detectives examining the killer’s mobile phone discovered messages showing he had discussed harming Joshua in the days leading up to the murder. Police said the messages related to a dispute over approximately £25 worth of cannabis. The court heard that messages sent by the teenager included threats that Joshua would “perish” and indicated that he was prepared to go to prison over the debt.
Knife and clothing taken after murder
Following the fatal stabbing, detectives established that the knife and clothing connected to the attack were handed to another teenager. Around two hours later, the two other boys attempted to dispose of the items in the sea. However, after being approached by Sussex Police officers, they instead handed the items over. The evidence formed part of the case built by BTP detectives following Joshua’s murder.
Police describe attack as ‘vicious and cowardly’
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Stanley, the senior investigating officer, described Joshua’s murder as a “vicious and cowardly” attack. He said: “Joshua Ingram’s life was tragically cut short in an attack that can only be described as vicious and cowardly. “He was a young man with a proud and loving family and many friends, and at just 16 he had his whole future ahead of him. “Our investigation proved that the defendant had messaged extensively about harming Joshua as a result of a petty debt for about £25 of cannabis.”
Family says verdict brings ‘a measure of justice’
Joshua’s devastated family said the murder conviction had brought them “a measure of justice” but stressed that no court verdict could bring the teenager home. They described Joshua as a “kind-hearted lad” who had touched the lives of many people. In a statement following the verdict, the family said: “This isn’t a day for celebration. It’s a day for reflection as we remember Josh for the young man that he was and not for the way and reasons his life was ended. “We hope Josh’s story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of knife crime.” The 16-year-old murderer, the 15-year-old convicted of assisting an offender and the 17-year-old who admitted the same offence will be sentenced at Hove Crown Court on October 2, 2026.
Originally published by UKNIP.
