Christopher Owen

Christopher Owen-Jones
THE family of a teenager who was murdered in Stevenage paid tribute this week to their "thoughtful and caring" son.

Christopher Owen-Jones, 19, died at Lister Hospital on Saturday after being attacked near the Marymead shops in Broadwater Crescent, close to the junction of Spring Drive in Stevenage, on Friday night.

Christopher's parents, Sam and Keith Owen, said: "He would do anything for his sister (Sian, nine) and anyone else who needed help.

"We will miss Christopher very much and we do not want any other family to have to go through what we have.

"We would like to thank all of our family and friends for their kindness and support; however, we would like to be left alone at this time to grieve."

Christopher, who had a passion for animals, motor sports and cooking, went to school in Stevenage before attending North Hertfordshire College in Hitchin where he studied mechanics.

He was also a volunteer at a cat sanctuary in Welwyn Garden City.


Christopher's murderer pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter and was sentenced to 4 years and 9 month in prison.
If this is justice then something seriously needs to be done.
Stephen Bangert was already on a GBH charge when he kicked Chris as he lay on the ground. In his defence on the GBH charge he admitted that he had no idea how much damage he could cause. If this was the case, when he raised his foot and his fists to Chris he did know exactly what he was doing and he knew he was capable of murder. If this was the case - then he was guilty of the murder of a wonderful young man who had his whole life ahead of him.
Where is the justice for Chris's Mum, Dad, sister and the rest of the family? They have to suffer for the rest of their lives knowing the person who took the life of their boy will never pay for what he did.

We have to believe there is a higher court - where one day Stephen Bangert will have to stand before the greatest judge of all and only on that day will justice be served.

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Reprinted from The Comet Newspaper, Stevenage Feb 09
see Chris's photos for the photo of these two very brave girls receiving their award.


''TWO teenage girls, a lorry driver and a police officer have been recognised for their bravery.

Katrina Blundell and Hannah Warden received the Hertfordshire Constabulary Award for their part in attempting to save the life of a fellow teenager in November 2007.

The girls, aged 14 at the time, had spent the evening with friends and asked one of them, Christopher Owen-Jones, to walk them home.

On their way they came across a group of people off Broadwater Crescent, Stevenage, one of whom approached Christopher asking for a telephone number which he did not have.

Christopher, 19, was then assaulted and left unconscious. Katrina and Hannah spoke with the emergency services and between them began life-saving techniques as instructed by the call taker until the ambulance service arrived. Sadly, Christopher later died.

Chief Constable Frank Whiteley, who presented the award last week, said: “Both girls were affected by what they witnessed. However, they remained strong and brave throughout. Katrina and Hannah showed outstanding maturity during this tragic incident and were of great assistance to the police.”

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Families Fighting For Justice march taking place in London, 3rd May 2010 starting at 2pm from Temple Tube Station, Victoria, London

We must not forget that a lot of murder cases are dropped to manslaughter at the last minute. Murder is Murder, do not insult families by downgrading it. This is a march for all victims of murder and fighting for tougher sentences for killers, the pathetic sentences they hand down are not nearly enough.