Boy to stand trial for knife murder in June

A 15-year-old boy accused of stabbing a man to death in a street brawl has denied murder.

Amandeep Singh Johal, 37, died after he was knifed in the back in Louise Gardens, Rainham, Essex, on 1 December last year.

The boy, who cannot be named, was only 14 at the time of the attack.

Prosecutor William Emyln-Jones earlier said: ‘A number of people were seen to be grappling with the deceased, who then suddenly fell to the ground.

‘He had sustained a deep stab wound to his back which resulted in catastrophic bleeding, and ultimately to his death.’

The boy, who was arrested on 8 December, denied murder and possession of a bladed article when he appeared at Southwark Crown Court.

Alexandra Felix, QC, defending, gave an estimated trial length of three weeks, due to the age of the defendant and the fact that he will need to take regular breaks.

Judge Deborah Taylor granted the 15-year-old bail, with condition of residence ahead of his trial at Southwark Crown Court on 8 June. He was told he must wear an electronic tag as part of his 7pm and 7am curfew.
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