Teen Jailed for Murder of Schoolgirl at Liverpool Christmas Event
A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been found guilty of murdering a schoolgirl during a Christmas light switch-on in Liverpool. The court heard he stabbed the girl in the neck “by accident” in what he claimed was self-defence.
Knife Fight Sparks Fatal Stabbing
The teenager told the court he only wanted to “frighten her away” after an argument in the city centre on 25 November 2021. He admitted carrying a knife with a 7.5cm blade but denied charges of murder and manslaughter.
The incident started after Ava White and her friends clashed with the boy and three of his mates over Snapchat videos they had recorded. Witnesses said the boy grinned after stabbing Ava in School Lane and then ran off.
“I promise, I didn’t mean to hit her,” the defendant told the jury.
Chilling Last Moments and Courtroom Drama
Ava’s friends recalled her last words as she lay dying: “Don’t leave me.” CCTV footage showed the defendant and his friends acting casually after the attack, buying butter for crumpets and taking selfies in a shop.
He discarded his knife and coat, later found in a wheelie bin, before hiding at a friend’s house. When police called, he falsely claimed he was just playing a computer game and denied being in the city centre.
Verdict Brings Cheers and Tears
A 20-second clip of the stabbing was played in court, leaving Ava’s family in tears. More than 20 family members erupted in cheers as the jury returned a guilty verdict for murder.
The defendant, who has ADHD, appeared via video link and buried his face in his hands as the verdict was read. Mrs Justice Yip confirmed sentencing will be on 11 July, warning there is “only one sentence the court can impose.”
“Our thoughts are with Ava White’s family and friends on this extremely difficult day,” Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson said. “The pain and suffering they have been through is unimaginable. We can only hope that the verdict brings them some comfort.”
