Boy who stabbed teen Charlie Cosser to death at West Sussex party jailed for life

A boy who murdered 17-year-old Charlie Cosser at a party in Warnham, West Sussex, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 16 years.

Yura Varybrus who was 16 at the time of the killing was handed the sentence at Brighton Crown Court.

During sentencing today (Wednesday 19 June) the Judge ruled Varybrus could be named for the first time.

Charlie Cosser, 17, was stabbed three times in the chest in a marquee on the grounds of a farmhouse at a party attended by more than 100 people in Warnham on July 23 2023.

Varybrus was found guilty of murder and having a bladed article following a trial at Brighton Crown Court.

Judge Christine Henson KC lifted automatic restrictions on naming Varybrus because of his age after applications by the press on Wednesday.

Restrictions continue to ban reporting of his address and where he is detained.

Varybrus stabbed Charlie, who was not known to him, when a fight broke out between them and two other boys on the dancefloor after Varybrus and his friends were asked to leave the party following complaints about his behaviour towards a girl.

While the knife has never been found, witnesses at the party told jurors during the trial that they saw Varybrus “drenched” in blood and heard him say “I’ve stabbed someone” after the attack.

A guest at the party also captured part of the violence on video as she began filming her friends dancing to the song Toxic by Britney Spears under disco lights in the marquee.

Varybrus did not to give evidence in the trial but denied both charges.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...