Steven Grisales who was stabbed to death in a row over conkers being thrown at him by youths

A 15-year-old boy has been found guilty of murdering a student in a row over throwing conkers and now faces a life sentence.

Steven Grisales was stabbed to death on August 31 last year after remonstrating with youths in Edmonton, north London, who were throwing conkers still in their spiky husks.

He had been doing some shopping for his grandmother and was walking to Silver Street station when he was attacked in College Close.

The youth, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was found guilty at the Old Bailey of murdering architecture student Mr Grisales, 21, and was remanded in custody to be sentenced on June 13.

After the verdict, Detective Inspector Richard Beadle said: “Steven did no more than stand up to unruly youths and for that he has lost his life.

“But for the courageous intervention of a local resident, I am convinced the attack would have continued.

“He placed himself in front of Steven whilst the youth continued to try to stab him.

“The defendant’s arrogance and contempt for others belies his age.”

Andrew Edis, QC, prosecuting, told the trial: “This was a sudden, unnecessary killing as a response to a confrontation which took place in the street, which was about nothing very much.

“It was about throwing some conkers. Horse chestnut trees in north London shedding their conkers, people picking them up and throwing them about.”

Steven’s mother Jasmid Grisales said: “This result can show that in a way it is justice and people should start learning that for every wrong you do, sooner or later you have to pay the price.”

The accused blamed another youth for the stabbing, but was identified from his distinctive clothing on CCTV.

He claimed Mr Grisales, from Enfield, had over-reacted and tried to hit him with a skateboard.