THE parents of teenage murder victim John Paul Robert Jeffries last night described how the loss of their trusting and popular son had affected their lives.

Edwin Jeffries and Brenda Sowerby told The Northern Echo they felt that they and their family were the ones serving a life sentence.

Mr Jeffries said his only son was very popular, trusting and had ambition. John Paul was taking a course in business administration and computer technology at Hartlepool Further Education College when he died.

The youngster worked when he could, taking part in a youth training scheme in a convenience store in Hartlepool. It was a job he liked, his mother, Brenda, said, because he enjoyed meeting different people.

He also worked as a glass collector in 42nd Street, a nightclub in Hartlepool, where he met Kevin Littlewood, and the pair became friends.

He also worked in other pubs in the town as a disc jockey.

Mr Jeffries said his son would often see the best in people: "There was some naivet really.

"There was not a violent bone in his body. I have never known him to have an argument. He just wasn't the type."

He said he had no feelings for the young man convicted of killing his son.

He said: "I have got no feeling for him all. It is pointless feeling when your only son has been taken away from you."

John Paul's mother said her heart has been broken by the death of her son. She said: "It's very, very painful.

"The only people who are serving a life sentence are the family. Every one of them is suffering through this."