Harry Pitman died when he was stabbed in the neck at the New Year’s Eve celebrations on Primrose Hill, a court has heard. 

The trial of a 17-year-old accused of 16-year-old Harry’s murder has begun at the Old Bailey this morning (September 3). 

Trial judge The Honourable Mr Justice Cavanagh KC told the jury the 17-year-old defendant, who cannot be named, admits he stabbed Harry.  

The judge said two key issues are likely to arise in the trial, whether the defendant stabbed Harry by accident, and whether he acted in lawful self defence. 

Opening the case, 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, a knife brought to the scene by the defendant who was only 16 also at the time. And it was the defendant who held that knife when that single but deadly injury was inflicted on Harry.  

“As a result, the defendant is now in your charge and as you've heard must stand trial facing charges of murder and possession of an offensive weapon.” 

We are reporting live from the Old Bailey, you can follow the events of the case here. 

Ms Ledward said Harry was there with a group of friends and so was the defendant with another group of friends. 

She said: “The defendant and Harry Pitman were strangers. Their respective groups of friends and acquaintances were complete strangers as well. 

“There is no indication that anyone from one group had had any contact with anyone in the other group prior to this evening. They were groups of complete strangers.”