THE parents of a Liverpool Army cadet who was knifed through the heart by an Asbo-breaching thug spoke of their sorrow for the killer and his accomplices.

James Moore, 17, was locked up for a minimum of 17 years yesterday for murdering Army-obsessed Joseph Lappin, 16, in Liverpool. Speaking after the sentencing, which involved Moore and nine other defendants, Joseph’s parents John and Toni, 45, from Old Swan, issued a statement.

Fighting back tears, Mr Lappin said: “We are grateful that justice has been done, and that every single person involved in the senseless attack on Joseph and his friends has been made to answer for his actions.

“We hope that this sends out a strong message that violence will not be tolerated and that those who act in such a way will be brought to task.

“But there is also an overwhelming feeling of sadness, not only for the loss of Joseph but also for the waste of the lives of the young men who have today been sentenced and the effects of this on their families.

“There are no winners despite the convictions.

“Joseph was stolen from us just as he was taking his first steps into adult independence.

“He had planned his life out and was waiting on his start date for the Army, something he had always wanted to do.

“We tried to dissuade him from joining up, worried about the dangers he would be exposing himself to, but he wouldn’t be deterred and we had to accept his decision.

“He had even told his friends of what arrangements he wanted for his funeral because he knew the risks involved in serving his country, and we made sure we respected his wishes.

“How ironic that he was murdered in his home town, not defending his country, and by the very people he was prepared to put his life at risk to protect.”

Mr Lappin continued his tribute, saying: “He was always pushing the boundaries, trying to grow up too soon, wanting to get involved in stuff that I didn't consider him old enough for.

“But as a consequence of this, he crammed such a lot into his short life, something else for us to give thanks for.

“He was such a larger-than-life character, and some of the stories his friends have told us of his escapades are hilarious.

“Everywhere we go, somebody introduces themselves and tells us they knew Joseph. It’s nice to know that he touched so many lives and is so fondly remembered by so many people.”

He added: “Now we need to come to terms with what happened to our Joseph, who we will love always and remember always, and try to rebuild our lives without him.”

The devastated couple said yesterday’s sentencing was a closure of sorts which would allow them to begin grieving.