A grieving mother has said her “whole world was turned upside down” after her son was murdered and his younger brother was stabbed in a fight in Croydon.
Bradley Hutchins, 22 and his teenage brother Calum, 19, were both stabbed multiple times in New Addington on September 12 last year.
Woolwich Crown Court heard how police were called to a group of men fighting with weapons in North Walk.
Officers attended and heard the Hutchins brothers had been taken to a nearby ambulance station, having both been stabbed multiple times.
Bradley Hutchins’ injuries were so severe that despite the efforts of the emergency services, he died a short time later.
Since his death, Mr Hutchins’ mother described how the boys had a special bond and “the effect on Calum of losing his brother has been utterly devastating”.
His mother said: “Our whole world was turned upside down when Bradley was cruelly taken from us.”
She added: "Bradley had such a presence when he walked into a room. He was always happy and known for his infectious smile.
“He was so kind and gentle, protective of his family and friends and he hated injustice. He would always stand up for the truth.
"I will ensure my son’s name and memory lives on forever. I will continue to fight against knife crime and try to help others in any way possible who have suffered the effects of this.
"I thank all who have helped me and believed in my son’s good name. Bradley James Hutchins, our hero.”
Police worked to quickly identify the suspects, with Shane Canavan, 23, arrested on 16 September and Joshua Langley, 29, arrested the following day.
Canavan and his half-brother Langley, both of Greyfields Close, Purley, were sentenced to life for murdering Bradley Hutchins and seriously injuring Calum Hutchins.
They were sentenced to a total of 44 years at Woolwich Crown Court on November 29.
At the same court on July 8, they had both been found guilty of murder and wounding with intent.
Detectives said they built a case against the pair after identifying where the offence had taken place and examining a crowbar, monkey wrench, knife and balaclava which had all been left behind by those involved.
They discovered that the motive for the violent attack was a fight the previous week where Canavan had come off second best.
Detective Inspector Matt Read, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: "We hope this sentence brings a level of peace and a feeling of justice to Bradley’s family, after the utter devastation they have suffered.
"We worked very hard to identify the suspects responsible for this terrible attack and build a watertight investigation to get them put behind bars.
“We want to thank the witnesses who bravely came forward to help, and offer our heartfelt wishes to Bradley's friends and family as they live on in his memory."
