A SENIOR police detective has described the death of a 16-year-old boy as “completely avoidable” after his killer was jailed for 13 years.

Detective chief inspector Louise Metcalfe of Essex Police made the statement on Friday after Elijah Clark was sentenced for manslaughter and actual bodily harm at Chelmsford Crown Court.

She said: “This sentence concludes a long investigation by our serious crime directorate and justice for Andy and his family has been at the centre of this.

“Andy’s death was completely avoidable and devastating for this family and those who loved him.

“My thoughts remain with Andy Wood’s family and friends and I commend their strength throughout this investigation.”

His Honour Judge Derek Sweeting accepted Clark did not bring a knife with him and intended to buy drugs from Mr Wood for his own consumption rather than to sell them on.

He added, however, that Clark intended to injure his victims.

He said: “The harm is that you have taken a life – that is inherent in the offence.

“You targeted the area in which he was wounded – Mr Wood and his friend had defensive injuries.

“You must have intended injury falling just short of grievous bodily harm.”

The judge concluded: “I am grateful for the dignified way in which the people in the public gallery have conducted themselves today.”