TWO killers have been jailed for a total of 34 years after a teenager was stabbed to death.

Joe Paffey, 21, did not react as he was handed a life-sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years for the murder of 19-year-old Fabian Kacica.

His accomplice, 21-year-old Aidon Pearce was handed 11 years for manslaughter and both received seven-year sentences for attempted robbery. That sentence will run concurrently.

Fabian Kacica was with his best friend Kamil Mirga and two girls outside the Forum library in Southend when he was approached by Paffey, of Old Southend Road, Southend, and Pearce, of Treecot Drive, Leigh, on May 14 last year.

In an attempt to steal his Ford Focus, Paffey stabbed Fabian through the chest with a knife after Fabian punched Pearce for stealing the keys.

Sentencing the men at Basildon Crown Court this afternoon, judge John Lodge acknowledged that the killing was not premeditated but added: “It was a cruel and tragic spontaneous reaction to circumstances which presented themselves.

Echo:

“The robbery and murder arose because the defendants were bitter and angry that two girls were with Fabian Kacica and Kamil Mirga.”

Both offenders fled the scene and went to a friend’s house where Paffey bragged about stabbing Fabian.

They were convicted after a trial in December.

Det Insp Julie Gowen said: “Fabian Kacica was innocently waiting for two friends when he was murdered in a public place.

"He was a talented young man who had his whole life ahead of him. He had his life taken away from him by two violent individuals.

“Fabian’s family are devastated at the loss of their loved one and are still struggling to come to terms with this loss.

“I would like to thank the family for enormous amount of dignity and courage.

"They have continued to remain strong for Fabian during a lengthy trial, where no remorse was shown from his killers. Albeit this outcome can never bring Fabian back I hope it offers Fabian’s family some peace moving forward.”