Greek taxi driver arrested over the murder of a British teenager who was on his first foreign holiday told people at the scene that he was 'annoyed' that a laser had been shone in his eyes.

The Greek taxi driver arrested over the murder of a British teenager who was on his first foreign holiday told people at the scene that he was 'annoyed' that a laser had been shone in his eyes.

It is alleged that one of the drivers was heard saying: 'I was annoyed because the young British tourists bothered us with lasers'

Robert Sebbage, who was once an England football mascot, collapsed and died in the street after a blade was plunged into his heart during a confrontation with two taxi drivers in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The 18-year-old's close friend, Jordan Manson, was taken to hospital with deep cuts to his chest and a collapsed lung following the attack in the resort of Laganas on Zakynthos.


Stabbed: Robert Sebbage's dream came true when he was given the chance to be an England mascot

Three others in their group also needed medical treatment.

Police officer Dimitris Angeloudis said that the row started because of a row over cab fares.

'Tempers flared, they exchanged insults, then began beating each other,' he told The Sun. 'Then the cabbie just lost it.

'There are no words to explain why he went so berserk, but he suddenly produced a knife and, egged on by a friend, lunged out and stabbed whoever he could.'

The youngsters, who were on their first foreign trip together, were all unarmed and running away when they were attacked, according to reports.


Last picture? Robert in Zakynthos

Hours before the attack, Robert, had contacted his parents in Basingstoke, Hampshire, to say he was having a great time.

Andrew and Rhian Sebbage broke down in tears yesterday on being told of his death. A postman delivered their son's Reading FC season ticket moments later.

'He was out there with friends and they were due to fly back tomorrow,' said Mrs Sebbage, a 46-year-old primary school learning support assistant.

 

'I had spoken to him while he was away and he was having a fantastic time.'

Robert, who had two older brothers Martin, 23, and Steve, 19, suffered from neuropathic bowel disorder, a rare medical condition which affects only a handful of Britons.

Despite needing regular hospital treatment as a child, he had managed to complete his penultimate year in college and was in Greece to celebrate the achievement.

He became an England mascot in 2007, a treat arranged by the Rays of Sunshine charity, which grants wishes for seriously and terminally-ill children.

Aged 14, he walked out on to the Wembley pitch with England goalkeeper Paul Robinson and met David Beckham before the national team took on Brazil.



Although Zakynthos is popular with British tourists, the Ionian island has been plagued by incidents of violent and rowdy behaviour by holidaymakers.

Witnesses said the fight broke out at 3am following a dispute over fares. Stelios Morfis, 21, is alleged to have grabbed the knife from his vehicle and launched himself at the Britons, fatally injuring Robert.

Another Greek, Dimosthenes Mylonas, 25, allegedly wielded a wooden baton.

Both have been arrested. Morfis, formerly a bodyguard for the island's mayor, has been charged with premeditated murder. Mylonas has been charged as an accomplice.

Dimitris Angeloudis, who is leading the police investigation, said: 'A holidaymaker lost his life over a misunderstanding, over insults and macho behaviour by young men on either side.

'There is no evidence whatsoever that the British youths were armed with knives or any similar dangerous instrument.


The family home where Robert lived with his parents Andrew and Rhian


Weapon: The jack-knife that claimed Robert Sebbage's life, pictured above, was thrown into the sea

'Witnesses testified that there was a full-fledged brawl. Then at one point the accused drew a knife and stabbed the victim several times in the side of the ribs, at the level of the heart.

'He has confessed to his actions and has been charged with premeditated murder.'

Police said the knife used in the attack was recovered after being thrown into the sea.


'I feel, angry, frustrated and depressed that I can no longer take part in the one thing I love. However, I will never give up on supporting England. It would be a real dream come true for me just to wear the England kit and walk out of that tunnel as a mascot for my team.

'Just hearing the roar of the cheering crowd, meeting the players and drinking in the atmosphere would be the greatest honour for me. It would more than make up for the fact that I can no longer play. It would give me a spectacular day to remember and nothing could take that memory from me.'

Jordan's father Nigel said none of the youngsters had ever been in trouble: 'They are all such lovely boys and when the police visited us, they could not find anything on their systems because not a single one of them has a black mark against his name.'

The 59-year-old garage boss from Tadley in Hampshire added: 'They have been pals for years and went to the same schools and colleges and this was their first foreign holiday as a group.'

He said his son had been attacked and left for dead. The 18-year-old, who is set to start an apprenticeship as a mechanic later this summer, is now stable after being operated on yesterday morning.

Samuel Champion, Steven Granston and Callum Lane, all aged 18, were also injured. They were in a group of seven on a week-long holiday with Thomas Cook. The tour company is helping the victims' families travel to Greece.

The two remaining members of the party escaped the altercation entirely.

Friends have created a tribute page on Facebook to the teenager who listed his interests on his own page as being a keen fan of Reading FC and the bands Oasis, Kasabian and Kings of Leon.

One friend, Chloe Prince, wrote: 'one of the most genuine lads I have ever met! such a lovely boy, you'll never be forgotten! r.i.p.'

Kayley Tompkins wrote: 'Rip rob. Make sure you keep that gorgeous smile of yours blooming up there! Never forgotten always missed.'

Kelly Louise added: 'One In A Million. Gonna Miss That Cheeky Little Face Of Yours. Sleep Tight You Beaut! All My Love.'