Video: Mother's sorrow for killer's family

3:56pm Monday 12th May 2008

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THE family of murdered teenager Jimmy Mizen have paid tribute to their "wonderful boy".

Sixteen-year-old Jimmy, of Dallinger Road, Lee, was killed in a vicious unprovoked attack at the Three Cooks bakery near his home at 11.50am on Saturday.

His mum Margaret says she has happy memories of her 6ft 4in "gentle giant" and says she feels sorry for the parents of her son's killer.

She said: "Jimmy's memories will go on for ever for us but they will only have real, real sorrow for their son."

Jimmy's aunt, Elizabeth Everson, said: "He was a wonderful boy and he left a great hole in everyone's life.

"We are all absolutely devastated. He was a very, very special boy.

"He was the sort of boy everybody got on with. He used to help people all the time."

Jimmy, who attended St Thomas More Catholic Comprehensive, Footscray Road, Eltham, had celebrated his 16th birthday last Friday (May 9).

The following day he had gone out to buy his first ever lottery ticket.

Jimmy went into the Three Cooks bakery, at the junction of Burnt Ash Hill and Woodyates Road, with his older brother when a youth offered to fight him outside.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons said: "Jimmy, being the type of person he was, declined this.

"The aggressor was left outside the bakery but did not leave the situation there.

"He smashed down the door and took an advertising board inside the bakery and wielded it, smashing up the shop."

Mr Lyons said a fight broke out and Jimmy suffered a fatal cut to his neck from a piece of broken glass.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Lyons added: "This was an assault with an excessive use of violence, an unprovoked attack on a decent young man."

Today (May 12) a mass was held in Jimmy's memory at his school, where his father Barry is deputy chairman of governors.

Monday would have been Jimmy's last day with classmates at the school before they started their GCSEs.

Headteacher Markus Ryan said: "Jimmy was a very well liked, gentle student who always tried his best.

"The school community is extremely shocked and saddened."

He added: "Jimmy comes from a loving, large, Catholic family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jimmy and his family at this very sad time."

Eileen Morgan, 60, a neighbour who has known the family for more than 20 years, said: "I was devastated when I heard what happened. He was a delightful child.

"Jimmy used to come and see us every Saturday and have a meal with us on Saturday evenings.

"I remember him as being very kind and loved by everyone. He used to cut the grass for us."

She added Jimmy loved animals and used to play with her dogs.

Yesterday a two-minute silence was held during a service at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Lee, which was attended by Jimmy's family.

Ms Everson said: "We are a very religious family and the faith has helped us all, especially my sister and my brother-in-law."

She added Jimmy had carried out work experience at Southwark Council last year and it had offered him an apprenticeship.

Police say Jimmy's killer ran down Kimbolton Close and escaped.

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4205 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

• Video: Interview with Jimmy Mizen's parents - click here