Justice has been done, says father

Damilola Taylor's father Richard has welcomed the guilty verdict against the Preddie brothers. Flanked by his wife, Gloria, he made a short statement outside court.

He said: "We, the family, feel that nobody can ever return to us, but it is a great comfort that justice has finally been done for Damilola. We pray that his gentle soul can now rest in peace."

The community shocked by the killing of Damilola will be relieved that "justice has finally been done", MP Harriet Harman said.

Ms Harman, who represents the constituents of Camberwell and Peckham, said following the verdict: "The whole community will be relieved to know that justice has finally been done.

"I'd like to thank the police and the prosecution for their painstaking work. My thoughts are with the family at this time."

But local councillor Ola Oyewunmi said she was "a bit disappointed" at the result: "I am pleased that they have at least been convicted of manslaughter, but I am still disappointed it is not murder, but at least they didn't go free."

Commander Dave Johnston, head of homicide and serious crime at the Met's Specialist Crime Directorate, said: "Today justice has finally been reached for Damilola.

"His violent death in 2000 sent shockwaves throughout London and beyond. For his family it was a very personal tragedy played out in a very public arena and I would like to acknowledge the courage and dignity with which Gloria and Richard Taylor have supported us throughout the police investigations."

Heidi Watson, chief executive of the Damilola Taylor Trust, said: "I am pleased for the Taylor family that someone has finally been found accountable for Damilola's death, but justice for Damilola can only be served if society changes because of the loss of such an innocent.

"The number of knife crime incidents perpetrated by young people this year alone reflect the fact that we have much work to do and it falls to us all to be the kind of non-violent moral role models our children can follow."