The names of the ‘wild’ teenage brothers who killed Junior Osborne have been revealed for the first time

A 50-year-old father was killed in Leicester by a “pack” of “wild” teenagers – including twins who were celebrating their 16th birthday the day before the fatal attack. Before the siblings were sentenced today, the Honorable Judge Neil Calver agreed to LeicestershireLive’s request to lift restrictions so it could publicly reveal the couple’s names for the first time.

The identities of Nero McLean and his twin brother Nevardo McLean were previously protected by law due to their age. Nero McLean was convicted by a jury last month of murdering Junior Osborne in Narborough Road just after 9.30pm on Wednesday, September 27 last year.

During the trial at Leicester Crown Court, CCTV footage was played showing Nero McLean running across Narborough Road, near a Subway takeaway, and stabbing Mr Osborne in the neck with a “very large knife” as he rode his bike on the sidewalk in front of a store where two children were playing. The knife passed through the jugular vein and down into the abdomen, severing one of the lungs.

READ MORE: Jury reaches verdict in case of five teenagers charged with murder of Junior Osborne

Meanwhile, the four remaining defendants were shouting encouragement from the opposite side of the road. The others were Nevardo McLean, Moises Steiner, 18, of Dovedale Road, Thurmaston, Theobald Budzwa, 18, of Ash Court, Groby and James Williams, 18, of Pelham Way, Leicester city center. The jury found all four guilty of manslaughter.

At today’s hearing, Nero McLean was sentenced to life in prison and must serve a minimum of 17 years behind bars before he can be considered for parole. The four found guilty of manslaughter were sentenced to eight years in prison and all will have to serve two-thirds of their sentences before being automatically released.

In addition to the names of Nero and Nevardo McLean, both of Upperton Road, West End, Leicester, it can today be revealed for the first time that all five defendants have previously been caught by police with knives. Budzwa was cautioned for carrying a knife in Northampton city center while the other four were convicted of possessing a knife.

Williams and Nero were also convicted of making threats stemming from an incident that occurred about three months before Mr Osborne’s murder.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Kate Blumgart KC read a statement from Julie Osborne, Mr Osborne’s wife and mother of his daughter. She described how he grew up on the island of Montserrat in the Caribbean and moved to England at the age of 25 after a volcano erupted on the island.

She said: “He was a smart person who had an entrepreneurial spirit. In 1997 he came to the UK to try to rebuild his life, leaving behind his loved ones.

“He made many friends, had a family and children who loved him. Junior was a kind and loving person.

“He was no angel and unfortunately he got involved with the wrong people over the last few years, but he didn’t deserve such a tragic death.

“The loss left a huge void in our hearts. His life was taken away by children who tried to act like adults.”

Sentencing five killers who gathered in a West End flat and filmed themselves playing with knives before the murder, the judge said: ‘The circumstances of Junior’s death at your hands are now well known. On September 27, you all met in the afternoon at 3 Andrewes Walk in Leicester to plan the attack on Junior.

“You all took steps to maintain secrecy and cover your tracks. Everyone except Nevardo wore face veils. You deleted your Snapchat messages and one of you got rid of the knife.

“None of you helped the police. You all consistently lied or remained silent.

“Before the murder you were excited, you were showing off before the attack to send video clips to your friends. Three of you brought your large knives into the apartment as a prelude to attacking Junior.

“You were all used to carrying knives in private and public places. This was normal behavior for you, despite his stupidity.

“You left the apartment with three knives to find Junior and attack him.”

The judge said he could not say why the teenagers attacked Mr Osborne, but he was sure Nero McLean had indeed intended to kill him. He said, “Maybe each of you was promised money, but I’m not sure.

“Junior was driving away from you all when he was attacked. He was blissfully unaware that this feral gang of youths intent on attacking him were heading towards Narborough Road.”

Turning to Nero, the judge said: “You stuck the knife into the right side of Junior’s neck. The force required was directed towards the heaviest end and in my opinion it was a brutal, cold-blooded murder that took him by surprise.

“It is difficult to imagine a more cruel and heartless killing.”

The judge told the teenagers that they had ruined their lives and the lives of many others. He said: “You took the life of an innocent man and now you have destroyed your life and the lives of people who loved Junior Osborne and people who love you.

“You will have plenty of time in custody to reflect on the damage each of you has caused to so many people.”