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, 31 December 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.
Harry had approached Special Constable David Smith in high spirits, offered him a cigarette and asked him if he was having a good time. Harry seemed excitable and "physically bounced" up to him but was "overall positive in his attitude towards police".
About 20 minutes later, Harry and one of his friends became involved in a row with two other young men but two officers intervened and the victim was said to have tried to calm the situation.
The judge, Mr Justice John Cavanagh KC, told jurors some of the issues in the case were how Harry came to be stabbed.
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