Schoolboys to be detained indefinitely after murdering tramp

Two schoolboys who murdered a sleeping tramp by setting him ablaze for a laugh have been sentenced to be detained at Her Majesty's Pleasure.

Judge Mr Justice Bell has told Maidstone Crown Court he would allow the two boys to be named because their crime is so serious.

Stephen Brookes, 16, and 13-year-old John Iveson ran off laughing after setting fire to drunk vagrant George Johnstone.

The 41-year-old was lying on a bench in Central Park, Dartford when attacked.

He suffered 40% burns to the upper body after being set alight on June 15 this year, and later died from a heart attack.

Both boys denied murder blaming the act on each other.

Mr Justice Bell said the two - who were found guilty of murder - should serve at least seven years before being considered for parole.

He said: "It was a mean and nasty offence against a vulnerable victim. It was an appalling way for anyone to die."

The judge pointed out that both boys had had disadvantaged childhoods, but said they showed no remorse.