A teenager celebrating New Year’s Eve was killed “in the blink of an eye” when he was stabbed in the neck by a stranger, a court has heard.
Harry Pitman, 16, was in a crowd gathered to watch the fireworks display over the River Thames from Primrose Hill, north London, when he was fatally injured shortly before midnight.
A boy, who was 16 at the time, denies murdering Harry and possessing an offensive weapon.
Opening the Old Bailey trial of the youth, now 17, on Tuesday, Jocelyn Ledward KC, prosecuting, said: “Every year, large numbers of members of the public gather on Primrose Hill to celebrate the turning of the New Year.
“But last New Year’s Eve, Dec 31 2023, revelry turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye.
“Harry Pitman, aged 16, was stabbed once, to the neck. He died almost immediately, as a result of that single but deadly injury – a single but deadly injury caused by a knife, brought to the scene by the defendant.”
Jurors heard that uniformed police were at the viewing point in the north London neighbourhood that night to manage crowds gathered to watch the fireworks.
Harry and the defendant were “complete strangers” and had gone there with different groups of friends, Ms Ledward said.
At about 11pm, Harry approached David Smith, a special constable, in high spirits, offered him a cigarette and asked him if he was having a good time.
Mr Smith noted Harry seemed excitable and “physically bounced” up to him but was “overall positive in his attitude towards police”, the court was told.
The stabbing appeared to have been sparked by a scuffle between Harry and one of the defendant’s friends shortly after 11.30pm, the court heard.
Harry was said to have been “play fighting” and seeing how high he could kick, causing him to lose his balance and bump into the boy standing behind.
Harry was pushed from behind and responded: “Don’t touch me, because I didn’t touch you,” before someone slapped the back of his head, the court was told.
Mobile phone footage of events played for jury
Members of Harry’s family watched in silence as mobile phone footage of the “fast-moving” events that followed were played in court.
The defendant allegedly pushed his way towards Harry, and a female voice could be heard to say “mindi” – the Somalian word for knife – as he produced a blade from the waist of his trousers.
Harry swung a punch and the defendant brought his right arm upwards in an arc and down, stabbing him in the neck, the court was told.
Ms Ledward said: “There is no issue that Harry’s fatal injury was caused by the knife in (the defendant’s) hand.”
Police body-worn camera footage showed Harry moving through the crowd seeking help before he collapsed.
The defendant, who cannot be named because of his age, was allegedly seen holding a hunting knife as he made off.
Mr Justice Cavanagh KC told jurors the issues in the case include whether the youth stabbed Harry by accident or in self-defence.
The trial continues.
