A DEPTFORD teenager has been given a life sentence for murdering 15-year-old Lyle Tulloch because of a stolen mobile phone.

Tobi Peters, aged 17, of Dacca Street, Deptford, and friend Damien Solobowale, aged 18, from Gipsy Hill, near Croydon, were sentenced at the Old bailey today (January 23).

They were both given life sentences with a recommendation they serve a minimum of 12 years each.

Peters, originally from Nigeria, may also be deported.

Lyle, from Peckham, was stabbed 13 times at around 1.40am on May 3 after an argument at a party he was at with friends in Southwark.

The court heard Solobowale and Lyle had earlier argued over a girl but on that occasion Peters acted as peacemaker.

But Lyle was attacked later at the party, in which drink and cannabis were consumed, because Solobowale suspected him of stealing his mobile phone.

When the phone went missing, Peters ordered all the boys at the party to go outside on to the flat’s communal balcony to be searched while Solobowale armed himself with a kitchen knife.

Both men attacked Lyle with knives as he lay defenceless on the floor while one of his terrified friends jumped from the balcony to escape.

Lyle was pronounced dead at the scene shortly afterwards.

Judge Peter Rook said: “You, Tobi Peters, had a knife with you and joined in with enthusiasm and then, brandishing a knife covered in blood, demanded to know where the other youth was.”

In mitigation, Peters’ lawyer Sally Howes said: “We’re dealing with a such a young lad who’s come from a background of little guidance, little direction and virtually no upbringing at all.”

But Mr Rook described it as a “vicious attack” and said both the boys were to blame for Lyle’s death.

He said: “You both are part of the culture of knife crime that blights our cities.”

The court heard Peters had two previous convictions for possessing an offensive weapon and was in the habit of carrying a knife around with in case he needed it.

Mr Rook said: “In a matter of seconds you took away from Lyle Tulloch his most precious possession - life itself.

“You’ve left his family and friends with a sense of irreplaceable loss.

“During those moment of madness you’ve also blighted your own lives.”

Detective Inspector David Willis said afterwards: "This is another tragic example of what can happen when knives are used to settle arguments.

"Lyle's family and friends have been devastated by his senseless murder.

"Unfortunately as long as young people do not heed the lessons of cases such as this there will be more families like Lyle's."

Peters and Solobowale were found guilty of murdering Lyle in December following a trial at the Old Bailey.