Man has sentence increased for killing of teenager in Wolverhampton
The sentence for the 18-year-old has been increased by two years
Last updated 27th May 2025
A man has had his sentence increased for the killing of a teenager in Wolverhampton.
Jovarn Esterine, 18, has had his sentence increased by two years after an appeal was heard at the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
In March 2024, Harleigh Hepworth and his friend travelled to West Park in Wolverhampton where they met Esterine and Jahmar Bryan, who has since turned 18, where following a brief exchange, Harleigh was fatally stabbed in the chest by Bryan.
Esterine was sentenced to seven years after being convicted for manslaughter and robbery. But following the appeal, that sentence has been increased to nine years.
Bryan, who was 16 at the time of the murder but has since turned 18, was given a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years. That sentence remains the same.
After being stabbed by Bryan, Harleigh ran from the scene but tragically was found lying in the park bleeding. As Harleigh was stabbed, Jovarn Esterine put his arm around Harleigh’s friend to prevent him from intervening to protect his friend. And after the 17-year-old was fatally stabbed, Esterine threatened to kill him unless he handed the passcode to his phone which was then stolen.
A short while later, Harleigh’s friend called around for help but despite a passer-by stopping and calling emergency services, Harleigh sadly died from his injuries.
Esterine, and Bryan left the park and ran away from the area discarding one of the stolen phones in a nearby drain.
Both denied murder and refused to answer any further questions during police interviews.
The pair were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court in January.
On Friday 9 May, the Court of Appeal quashed Jovarn Esterine’s sentence and substituted it for a total of nine years detention.