The family of a teenager who was brutally killed just days before he started university has paid tribute to him.

Davarn Francis, 21, from Hithercroft Road, killed Slough teenager Wa-ays Dhaye, 18, on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31, in 2015.

He left the country just days after the horrific attack, fleeing to St Vincent, in the Caribbean.

Wa-ays was walking home after coming back from the Notting Hill Carnival when he was stabbed multiple times.

In a statement Wa-ays’ family said he was “unjustly and brutally” killed after a day out with friends.

They said: “Wa-ays was due to start a university course in September 2015 and was very excited to do so with so much to look forward to.

“This opportunity has been stripped away by four killers as he walked home alone not aware of the heartbreaking events to come.

“When he was stalked, ambushed and killed, Wa-ays collapsed just around the corner of his home.

“Our memories of Wa-ays are still present and are strong in our lives but with that memory comes great loss. Every day, and every important date such as his birthday, the date of his death and funeral has left an imprint on our lives.

"Wa-ays was a cheerful, gentle, faithful, and clever young man. He was a good son to his parents and he was a good Muslim teenager who did not drink or do any drugs.

“Wa-ays was and still is, well loved by his family, friends and the community. This was evident on the day of his funeral where hundreds of people gathered for his funeral prayer.

"After Wa-ays was killed his brothers, sister and mother have to pass Waterbeach Road, close to where he was killed, almost every day which is very traumatic for anyone to have to do.

“The family continue to live in the area and are reminded daily of the events and location where Wa-ays was stalked and stabbed in an attack from behind. We take solace however in our religion and our belief of a life hereafter.

“As a family we are pleased to finally have the last person responsible convicted. It has been very distressing to endure yet another trial, which is now the third due to Davarn Francis fleeing the country.

“We as a family have suffered a delayed process of grieving due to his selfish actions causing more prolonged suffering, grief and sadness.

“Wa-ays would have been 21-years-old and the memory of his life, and who he was to everyone who knew him, will linger forever.

“We would like to whole heartedly thank the witnesses that came forward. As a family we are grateful for your bravery, honesty and commitment throughout this journey.

“We would like to give a special thank you to Mr Price QC and everyone else at the Crown Prosecution Service who helped deliver the convictions.

“We would also like to thank Thames Valley Police and our family liaison officers for their support throughout the last three-and-a-half-years.”

Francis was jailed today (January 23) for 16 years after being found guilty of one count of manslaughter. He was found not guilty of one count of murder by a jury at Reading Crown Court.

In a previous trial in 2016, Khianni Gordon, then 18, from High Wycombe, was convicted of one count of murder and one count of perverting the course of justice, Kaneel Huggins, then aged 19, from High Wycombe, was convicted of one count of manslaughter and one count of perverting the course of justice, and Antwon Clarke, then aged 18, from High Wycombe, was convicted of one count of manslaughter.

James Barker, then aged 75, of St Hugh’s Avenue, High Wycombe, Wesley Barker, then aged 40, of Pentlands Road, Slough, and Sophia Corbyn, then aged 47, of Ripley Road, Reading, were each charged with one count of perverting the course of justice.

James Baker and Sophia Corbyn were found not guilty, while Wesley Barker pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.