Two teenagers have received life sentences for the “cowardly” murder of a man who, according to police, “was unarmed and outnumbered.”

Ryan Wedderburn, 18, and Kirk Harris, 19, were convicted of killing Robert Robinson, 21, in Deptford, southeast London, on June 6 of last year.

On Thursday, Wedderburn was sentenced to a minimum of 23 years, while Harris received a minimum term of 22 years and nine months. Dalziell Wedderburn was found not guilty during the proceedings at the Old Bailey.

Detective Inspector Neil Tovey expressed satisfaction that justice had been achieved for Robert’s family and friends. “He was stabbed to death in a brutal incident on a residential street where many families were present,” he remarked.

Tovey noted, “Robert was a young man with his entire future ahead of him, which was senselessly cut short by Wedderburn and Harris. He attempted to flee for his life but was pursued and brutally attacked.”

He added that Robert’s family had to endure hearing the details of the horrific attack and viewing CCTV footage capturing Robert’s final moments.

“They were also presented with testimony from Wedderburn and Harris as they endeavored to rationalize their actions,” Tovey continued. “I want to recognize the grace that Robert’s family and friends have demonstrated throughout the trial.”