A WOMAN and two teenage boys have been found guilty of manslaughter after a man was fatally stabbed in Southend.

Danielle Russell, 26, a 16-year-old boy from Basildon and a 17-year-old boy from Thurrock, were today found not guilty of the murder but guilty of the manslaughter of 24-year-old Anton Russell, from Dagenham, when he was fatally stabbed in his right leg at Russell’s flat on St Ann’s Road, Southend, on November 19.

Russell attempted to put on a brave face in the dock at Chelmsford Crown Court as the jury, which had been deliberating for 20 hours and 16 minutes, passed its verdict, but broke into tears a number of times. The two boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remained stony-faced throughout.

The trio were also found not guilty of the attempted murder of Levin’s childhood friend Abdullatif Abdulkadir, 24, after he sustained life-threatening stab wounds, however they were found guilty of conspiracy to inflict grievous bodily harm upon him.

Russell and the 17-year-old were also found guilty of conspiracy to rob; the 16-year-old had already admitted this charge.

Following the verdict, Mr Levin’s mother released the following tribute: "Anton Levin was a man of great integrity, extremely dedicated to his family and work, and was entirely peace-loving.

“It is extremely upsetting that after the passing of my son all I have been hearing about in court is a side that I do not know of him.

“Instead what I do know is that he was a young educated man who had just graduated from Greenwich University and had a bright future ahead of him in the property market.

"I feel for such a bright and intelligent young man he had his whole life ahead of him, which was cut too short. No one deserves to go so young.

"He was very protective of me and helped me to bring up his little sister too. She misses him a lot as I do as he was a very special son.

"His family will not only miss him but also his friends and colleagues and we all feel like we have lost a shining star.

“He has had an impact on everybody that knew him and now we all feel a big hole and a massive part of our lives has been taken from us.

“In this tragic event we lost a son, a brother, and a friend and no matter what, he was always there and cared for anyone who was around him.

"Anton lived a remarkable life; one that inspired me greatly. His adventurous attitude, his broad range of interests, and his happy demeanour made him a wonderful person to know.

“He had a great perspective when it came to the little things, never displaying anger or impatience. Instead, he showed great dignity and humour.

“I’ll miss the news of his strange adventures, the stories of all the countries he wanted to visit, I’ll miss his ambition, and his gentle and warm presence.

"Everyone who knew Anton will miss him dearly and we will treasure every bit of memory we have had with him.”

Senior Investigating Officer Det Chf Insp Simon Werrett added: "The jury have heard the evidence and have decided Danielle Russell and the two youths were responsible for the death of Anton Levin. This was another unnecessary death linked to gang activity in Essex.

"The defendants have never any shown remorse for the attack and the needless loss of life. Hopefully the family can now move on with their lives.”