January 12, 2001 9:33: NEARLY three months after his death, murdered teenager Terry Booker was finally laid to rest.

Life in Plumstead stopped for an hour as hundreds of residents lined the streets to pay their respects to the 19-year-old from Plumstead, who was fatally stabbed on November 14 last year.

A ceremony for the popular young father was held at the Trinity Methodist Church, before he was buried in Woolwich Cemetery, on December 8.

Mourners looked on as the cortege of five cars made its way along Burrage Road.

The procession snaked to the Lord Raglan pub, then to the Trinity Church.

People spilled out onto the street and speakers were set up outside for the crowds to hear the service.

The service included poetry readings and speeches made by Terrys friends and family.

Speaking to the News Shopper after the funeral, Terrys mother Lyne, was tearful over the loss of her only son.

She said: "The whole of Plumstead stopped for an hour and bowed its head to my son.

"His death has broken the hearts of people all over the area who knew my loveable Terry.

"He had a marvellous send off, the floral tributes, the poems, his 10 friends carrying his casket, the mass of people.

"We had to organise another hearse to carry the floral tributes to the cemetery.

"I received more than 150 sympathy cards before the funeral and the floral and other tributes keep coming in.

"Theyre laying them not only at his grave, but where he was killed outside Polthorne Grove, in Plumstead."

DCI Mark Heseldon, who is co-ordinating the murder investigation, said a 16-year-old local boy charged with the killing will appear at the Old Bailey on February 2.

If you have any information about the murder, call DCI Heselden on 020 8284 9765 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Leonie Brann