Man, 20, jailed following death of 16-year-old, Andy Wood

A man has been jailed for 13 years after being found guilty of manslaughter.

Elijah Clark, 20 from Chelmsford appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, 12 July where he was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

The sentence followed an investigation by Essex Police’s Serious Crime Directorate following the death of 16-year-old Andy Wood in Chelmsford in February 2023.

Officers were called to Waterson Vale in Chelmsford at around 11:30pm on 12 February 2023 following reports of a boy being seriously assaulted. The victim, 16-year-old Andy Wood from Braintree was taken to hospital where he sadly died. 

His family paid tribute to him, describing him as a “Fantastic human being” who will be “remembered by all that he touched as an amazing, loving, caring son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend that did not deserve to be taken away so soon.”

Elijah Clark was arrested within hours of the assault and later charged with murder. CCTV enquiries showed him leaving the scene on an electric scooter shortly after the assault.

Following a four-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, which concluded on the 2 May 2024, the jury found Clark guilty of manslaughter and actual bodily harm.

Elijah Clark appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today (12 July) where he was sentenced to 13 years for the manslaughter offence and 18 months for the actual bodily harm offence. The sentences are to run concurrently.  

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe 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.”