A High Court judge became choked with emotion as he addressed the mother of a 14-year-old murder victim while jailing the teenager who killed him.

Mr Justice Martin Spencer’s voice cracked and he apologised at Newcastle Crown Court during the sentencing hearing of Leighton Amies.

The 15-year-old, who was obsessed with knives, murdered Tomasz Oleszak in a Gateshead park last October.

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In a powerful victim impact statement, Tomasz’s mother, Kamila Wisniewska paid tribute to her “kind, loving and sporty” older son, who was born in Poland and who moved with his family to Gateshead in 2012.

She said he was popular, respectful and hated violence.

Amies was given a life sentence with a 12-year minimum term.

The Northern Echo: Tomasz's family at a memorial football match in his honour Tomasz's family at a memorial football match in his honour (Image: Northern Echo)

Addressing Ms Wisniewska, the judge said: “What you have been through is almost unimaginable both in relation to the death of this fine young man, Tomasz, and in relation to hearing the details of how he came to meet his death.

“You have conducted yourselves with enormous dignity you have the thanks and admiration of this court.

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The Northern Echo: Tomasz Oleszak died following the attack in Gateshead Tomasz Oleszak died following the attack in Gateshead (Image: Contributor)

“I know the death of Tomasz will be a lifelong sentence for you as the death of a child is something from which no parent can ever fully recover.

“I found the most poignant remark to be that which came from Jacob, Tomasz's brother aged only six who said: “Mum, don’t cry so much Tomasz wouldn’t want it.

“For Jacob’s sake, as much as your own, I hope you are able to move on in some measure from this tragedy and I'm sure I speak for everyone in this court wishing you the very best in the future.”

Clearing his throat, he added: "Forgive me."