Harry Pitman stabbed with hunting knife after New Year’s Eve fight, court hears
A teenage boy is accused of stabbing 16-year-old Harry Pitman to death with a hunting knife after a New Year’s Eve altercation, a court has heard.
Harry was attacked “within yards” of police officers attending the fireworks display at north London’s Primrose Hill.
Medics desperately tried to save Harry but he was pronounced dead just 20 minutes before midnight.
There were police officers just yards away when the stabbing took place but no one apprehended at the scene, the Old Bailey heard.
The boy who is 16 and cannot be named, appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday charged with murder and possessing an offensive weapon.
Wearing a black Nike jumper with a blue logo, the teenager spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
The 16-year-old was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on March 26.
A provisional four week trial date was set for Sept 2.
Members of Harry’s family were in court for the hearing.
The Metropolitan Police have said Harry’s family, from Haringey, continued to be supported by specialist officers.
A 17-year-old boy who was arrested on Jan 4 has been released on bail.
The Met Police has said three other boys arrested in connection with the incident would have no further action taken against them.
Lisa Ramsarran, the deputy chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) London homicide team, earlier 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.
“Harry Pitman died after he was stabbed on Primrose Hill on New Year’s Eve.
“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.”
