Victim Tomasz Oleszak, 14, collapsed after he was knifed in a nature park in Gateshead last October.

Amies - who was 14 at the time of the killing - denied murder but was found guilty today following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

The killer's identity could not previously be published but following his conviction, judge Mr Justice Spencer lifted the reporting ban.

The judge said: "There is a public interest in trying to deflect young people from the carrying of knives, where when that happens, this kind of utterly tragic outcome can occur."

The trial heard that Amies boasted "I've wetted your boy" after stabbing the victim deep in his chest.

He claimed he did not know he had stabbed Tomasz and slashed another youth's coat after being attacked by a gang.

Jurors heard that the killer was walking through Whitehills Nature Park with his girlfriend at around 8pm when a group of youths followed them.

He was carrying a serrated kitchen knife in his jacket pocket, which he claimed he picked up at home for "reassurance", and used it to slash Tomasz when he came under attack from a group.

'I've wetted your boy'

The killer shouted to the gang: "I've wetted your boy" after landing the fatal blow, the court heard.

Mark McKone KC, prosecuting, told jurors: "He wanted them to know he had stabbed one of their number.

"It was a boast."

'Under group attack'

Peter Makepeace KC, defending, told jurors the youth had not looked for trouble and asked the jury to put themselves in his situation.

He said: "This is a 14-year-old under group attack and having to make terrible decisions under a moment's notice."

The jury also convicted him of a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm on the boy whose coat was slashed.

The defendant had previously admitted carrying a blade.

'Unequivocal message'

Outside court, Detective Inspector Chris Deavin, who led the inquiry, said: "Tomasz had his whole life ahead of him, he was a promising footballer and a popular pupil at his school.

"Today, Leighton Amies has been found guilty of murder but no conviction or any length of sentence will ever bring Tomasz back.

"We want to send an unequivocal message to anyone who chooses to carry a weapon of any kind or believes that violence is acceptable - the consequences can be devastating.

"Look at the pain this tragedy has caused - not only could you take away someone else's future and destroy the lives of their loved ones, but also ruin your own and those of your family and friends."

DI Deavin also urged parents to speak to their children about the dangers of carrying a knife, adding: "Most importantly, we implore those who do carry a knife or believe it is a wise, admirable or a necessary thing to do, to think again and stop."

Amies will be sentenced in June.