Teen convicted of murder named for first time before sentencing

A teenage killer who fatally stabbed another boy on a crowded dance floor may be named for the first time today after an order protecting his identity was lifted.

Yura Varybrus, the son of Ukrainian parents, stabbed Charlie Cosser, 17, after he was asked to leave a holiday party at a country farm last July.

Varybrus, who turns 18 in November, had never met Charlie before the party at Balmohano Farmhouse in Warnham, near Horsham.

He may be named for the first time after reporters' requests were allowed by Judge Christine Henson KC.

Removing his anonymity, Judge Henson said: “This is a case which constitutes a particularly serious crime and which has attracted considerable national and local interest.

The level of youth crime in this case is likely to generate significant public interest at a private party attended by many young people.

“The death of Charlie Cosser has shocked the whole community and the family have set up a charity to combat knife crime. Disclosure could help the local community come to terms with this incident.

“Consideration of acting as a deterrent to future knife crime against young people is a legitimate aim of press reporting to act as a deterrent to others.”

Varybrus, now 17, was just 16 when he stabbed Charlie, known as Cheeks.

His identity was protected by his age.

The 1.70m teenager was described as a “big boy” by people who saw him at the party.

Varybrus had been drinking heavily all night and claimed he remembered nothing of the murder.

Although they attended the same school as some of the other guests, Charlie and his killer had never met.

Judge Christine Henson KC will sentence Yura Varybrus at Lewes Crown Court, sitting in Brighton today.