Two young boys who stabbed Shawn Seesahai to death in a Wolverhampton park a year ago have today had their sentences increased.

Both boys had originally been given life sentences with a minimum term of eight years and six months, but a ruling at the Court of Appeal in London this morning found that this was unduly lenient.

The two youngsters, aged 12 at the time of the murder and who cannot be named for legal reasons due to their age, will now serve minimum terms of 10 years.

Both boys, now aged 13, had denied murder but in June at Nottingham Crown Court they were convicted of Shawn’s murder.

Following today’s ruling on the sentencing, a statement has been issued on behalf of Shawn’s devastated family.

They said: “We recognise that justice has been served today for the murder of our beloved son, Shawn, and we welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase the sentences of those responsible from eight-and-a-half to 10 years.

"Shawn’s life was taken in a brutal and senseless act of violence. "He was attacked with a weapon carried with clear intent, leaving us devastated and haunted by the thought of what he endured.

"While no sentence can ever bring Shawn back, we feel that today’s decision better reflects the gravity of the actions that took him from us and acknowledges the immense loss we live with every day.

"We hope this outcome sends a strong and clear message that carrying and using knives will not be tolerated.

"We are grateful to everyone who supported the review of this case and to the Attorney General’s Office for ensuring that justice was pursued.

"As we continue to honour Shawn’s memory, we remain committed to raising awareness about the dangers of knife crime, in the hope that no other family has to endure the pain we carry."

Detective Inspector Dan Jarratt from the Homicide Team which oversaw the investigation, said: "The Court of Appeal has carefully reviewed the sentence the two boys were given for Shawn's murder and deemed it unduly lenient.

"After reviewing case law and sentencing guidelines their sentences have been extended.

"While any sentence cannot change the devastating impact of Shawn's murder, we hope that this may bring some peace to all those who loved him and have to live without him."