Coggeshall teenager Andy Wood 'loved for his caring nature'

Former Honywood School pupil Andy Wood was stabbed by Elijah Clark, 20, in Chelmsford last February during a drug deal.

Clark, of Gloucester Avenue, Chelmsford, was found guilty of manslaughter and actual bodily harm.

Members of Mr Wood’s family gave heartfelt tributes to their son, friend, and brother before Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday.

Investigation – police closed off Waterson Vale in Chelmsford last year after Andy Wood's death (Image: Essex Police)

Mr Wood’s brother, Tony, said he suffered from flashbacks to the night he was killed, whilst his mother said “this world needs more souls like his”.

A friend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said Mr Wood was like a brother to him.

He said: “We spent a lot of time together – now he is no longer here, I feel a part of me is gone today.

"That night changed me forever.

"That one night is always on my mind, like a bad film playing over and over – my family are also suffering and I feel I am a burden on them."

Tony Wood said his brother’s death dominates his life and that he suspended his university studies for a year in the aftermath.

He said: "My brother was so loved by friends and family alike for his caring nature – he had an incredible knack to brighten even the darkest of rooms.

“He was my best friend at home – we would game together, listen to music together, and annoy mum together.

“He would confide in me when he felt extremely low and I would do my best to make him feel better.”

Drugs – Elijah Clark met with Andy Wood in Chelmsford last year to carry out a drug deal (Image: Essex Police)

A statement read out on behalf of Mr Wood’s father, Anthony, read: “I try each day to remember the good times, but it will never be a normal life ever again.”

Mr Wood’s mother Carol-Anne said: “The last six months of his life and his struggle with neurodiversity and mental health does not define who he was – he did not have the chance to do all the things we planned to help turn his life around.

“I need them to know who they killed.”