Murder accused said teen ‘did not deserve it one bit’
AMAN accused of murdering a teenager found knifed to death in a docks told police the youngster “did not deserve it one bit” as he was arrested.
Six men and a 16-year-old are on trial at Newport Crown Court over the death of Harry Baker, whose body was was found at Barry Intermodal Terminal in August last year.
The prosecution alleges the teenager was murdered in a dispute over drugs.
He was stabbed several times and suffered injuries to his brain, stomach, and pancreas.
Yesterday, jurors watched body-worn camera footage showing the arrest of defendant Leon Symons.
The court heard police searched a property in Ely, Cardiff, and an officer found a black balaclava and face mask with a skull design. The officer recognised Symons nearby.
He was placed into a police vehicle and arrested on suspicion of murder.
During the footage he told a police officer: “It’s a drug deal gone wrong. We went to see someone. He set us up. [Inaudible]. I did not do it. I was there but I did not do it.”
He added: “He didn’t deserve it, that little kid, bro. He did not deserve it one bit. He was so young as well – 17.”
He also said: “I feel sorry for his family.”
The court also heard Lewis Evans was arrested in his pyjamas at his home at Merganser Court in Barry. Officers saw his Nissan Juke outside.
Evans was cautioned and replied: “I understand.” The court heard he handed over his phone and keys.
He was given time to change out of his pyjamas before he was taken to the police car. nHe was heard to say during the journey: “I hope they catch them.”
Defendant Peter McCarthy was arrested in Bassett Street, Barry.
He replied to the caution: “Murder? Are you serious?”
The court heard his demeanour varied from calm to agitated and obstructive
He was heard to say to a nurse: “I was with my missus shagging. She’s my alibi.”
His behaviour was described as “unpredictable”.
DNA samples and clothing were taken from him.
The court heard he made another comment: “Murder? What’s all that about?”
Ryan Palmer, Peter McCarthy, Raymond Thompson, Leon Clifford, Lewis Evans, Leon Symons, and a 16-yearold boy all deny murder.
Clifford, 22, who does not have a fixed address, has admitted manslaughter, but has pleaded not guilty to murder.
Palmer, 33, from Aberaeron
Close, Barry; McCarthy, 37, from Bassett Street, Barry; and Thompson, 47, from Hillary Rise, Barry, deny violent disorder.
Symons, 21, who does not have a fixed address, and the 16-year-old boy also deny violent disorder. Evans, 61, from Merganser Court, Barry, denies assisting an offender.
The trial continues.