A 17-year-old boy has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 16-year-old Joshua Ingram at Seaford railway station in East Sussex. The incident occurred on September 10, 2025, and stemmed from a dispute over a £20 drug debt.

The teenager, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was initially charged with manslaughter and had pleaded guilty. However, following a trial at Hove Crown Court, jurors convicted him of murder. He is required to serve a minimum of 14 years before being eligible for parole.

During the trial, it was revealed that the defendant had adopted a “faux gangster persona” influenced by online content, which contributed to his actions on the day of the killing.

Joshua’s mother, Yvette Bullen, expressed deep regret over the circumstances that led to the tragedy, stating that she wished she had responded differently when Joshua asked her for money shortly before the attack.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about the impact of social media influences on youth behavior, as well as issues related to drug-related violence in the area. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the investigation or the defendant’s background.