Schoolboy was stabbed ‘in the blink of an eye’ at New Year’s Eve fireworks

Teenager Harry Pitman died ‘almost immediately’ after being stabbed in the neck while watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks on Primrose Hill, the Old Bailey has heard.

Harry, who was 16, was in a crowd gathered to watch the display over the River Thames from the popular north London park when he was fatally injured shortly before midnight.

A youth, who was 16 at the time and is now aged 17, is accused of Harry’s murder and possessing an offensive weapon.

Opening his trial this morning, prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC 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, December 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.’

The youth, now aged 17, who cannot be identified because of his age, denies the charges against him.

Mr Justice Cavanagh KC told jurors some of the issues in the case are whether the youth stabbed Harry by accident or in self-defence.

The Old Bailey trial continues.

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