The fate of a teenager who stabbed a man to death should serve as a “stark reminder” of the devastation of knife crime, police say.

This week a judge lifted reporting restrictions and allowed 17-year-old murderer Jordan Rance to be named for the first time.

Rance had stabbed 49-year-old Paul Marsh to death on Samuel Street in Atherton in November last year and has now been sentenced to at least 21 years in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson, of our Major Incident Team, said: “This is a tragic case in which a seemingly innocuous exchange has escalated and resulted in a loss of life.

“Our thoughts remain with Paul’s family at this time.

“We also have a young person going to prison for a long time.

The Bolton News: Rance holding a knifeRance holding a knife

“This case should serve as a stark reminder that carrying a knife is illegal and you could be jailed if you're found to be in possession of one.

"No good can come from carrying a knife and self-protection is not a reasonable excuse.”

Rance, of Platt Hill Avenue, Bolton, was just 16 years old when he committed the murder.

The Bolton News: Jordan RanceJordan Rance

He stabbed Mr Marsh to death after an argument erupted between the pair of them at the Samuel Street flat on November 17 last year.

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Rance was found guilty of murder after a trial at Minshull Street Crown Court and for thanks to a ruling by Her Honour Judge Tina Landale his identity can now be revealed.

Judge Landale decided that public interest demanded that Rance’s identity be known after representations made to the court by The Bolton News and our colleagues at other outlets.

Rance was sentenced to Detention at His Majesty’s Pleasure, the equivalent of a life sentence, with a minimum term of 21 years.