Marques Walker

3 offences

What the court heard

He pleaded guilty to murder in West Croydon, south London, on 18 November 2021. You can stay seated until I tell you to stand up. Marques Walker: you are today to be sentenced for the murder of Jermaine Cools on 18th November 2021, for possession of the murder weapon and for an offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent contrary to S18 of the Offences against the Person Act, committed on 1st July 2022 whilst you were in custody awaiting trial for Jermaine's murder. ("the s 18 offence"). You pleaded guilty to possession of the knife used in the murder on 18th March 2022. You initially pleaded Not Guilty to the murder but changed your plea to guilty on 9th January 2023. You pleaded guilty to the S18 offence on 10 th March 2023 following the addition of a second Count to the indictment which had originally charged you with attempted murder. The Statutory Surcharge applies to this case. This is yet another case involving the senseless murder of a young teenager committed for reasons that no mature adult can fathom. Jermaine Cools was only 14 when you killed him. He was the youngest victim of fatal knife crime in London in 2021. Tragically since that date and to this day there have been many further murders of young teenagers since Jermaine's death and nothing seems to deter the likes of you from going onto the streets of London and elsewhere armed with lethal knives, easily acquired on the internet, intent upon serious violence with no thought for the consequences for the victims, their innocent loved ones nor for the consequences for themselves. In the words of your own Counsel this was an "appalling act of senseless violence." The impact of Jermaine's violent and needless death is immeasurable. His parents have each set out, as best they can, the devastating effects upon them of the loss of their youngest son. His father says. "He was everything to us, a sunshine, a bright light in this world, a humble child with a lot of dreams.". "Now we are nothing, just wanting to die to be with Jermaine". He describes how they have put a large picture on Jermaine's bed so that they can pretend he is still there. Jermaine's mother describes how since her beloved son's death, they have "ceased living and just existed". Their home used to be filled with love, laughter and happiness and is now a sad and empty house. Memories are all they have left. Jermaine will never be forgotten. He was the perfect son. Jermaine was his mother's soulmate/ She has not been able…

Aggravating and mitigating factors

Age / Youth and immaturity of the offender; Offence committed whilst on bail

Around this case

• Central Criminal Court Crown Court
• Prosecuted by Crown Prosecution Service
• Investigated by Metropolitan Police Service