Pitman killed with hunting knife yards away from police
A TEENAGE boy stabbed Harry Pitman to death with a hunting knife after an altercation on New Year’s Eve, a court heard.
The 16-year-old was knifed “within yards” of police officers attending a fireworks display at Primrose Hill in north London.
Medics called to the scene tried desperately to revive him but he was pronounced dead at 11.40pm.
Police officers were standing yards away but no one was apprehended at the scene, the Old Bailey heard.
The accused, who is also 16 and cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at the central criminal court yesterday charged with murder and possessing an offensive weapon.
Wearing a black Nike jumper with a blue logo, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth and was remanded in custody to await a plea and trial preparation hearing on March 26.
A provisional date for the trial, which is expected to last four weeks, was set for Sept 2.
Members of the victim’s family were in court for the hearing.
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that the family, who live in the nearby borough of Haringey, would continue to receive support from specialist officers.
A 17-year-old boy who was arrested on Jan 4 over the incident has been released on bail.
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that three other boys arrested in connection with the incident would face no further action.
Lisa Ramsarran, the deputy chief crown prosecutor for the CPS London homicide team, said: “The CPS has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge a 16-year-old boy with murder following the death of Harry Pitman.
“The 16-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, is also charged with possessing an offensive weapon. The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings are active and that the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
‘Information that could prejudice active criminal proceedings should not be shared online’