Jury retires to consider verdicts in trial of boy accused of killing girl, 9, in Weston-super-Mare
A 16-year-old boy denies charges of murder and manslaughter in relation to Aria Thorpe's death
Last updated 2 hours ago
A jury has retired to consider verdicts in the trial of a teenage boy accused of murdering a nine-year-old girl.
Aria Thorpe died after sustaining a knife wound to her chest at her home in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, on December 15 last year.
The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, denies charges of murder and manslaughter in relation to Aria’s death.
Mrs Justice O’Farrell sent the jury out to deliberate their verdicts in the case of Tuesday afternoon.
She told them: “This case involves the death of a young girl, Aria.
“It is a tragic and shocking case and, as I have said before, it gives rise to very strong feelings.
“It is important to put your empathy to one side and judge the evidence fairly, without being swayed by an emotional reaction.
“You should carefully consider all the evidence that has been put before you.”
The judge said the prosecution’s case was that the boy had stabbed Aria deliberately, intending to kill or her cause her really serious harm.
Alternatively, the prosecution allege that his action was one that any reasonable person would realise was bound to subject Aria to the risk of physical harm.
“He accepts he stabbed Aria with the kitchen knife but he says it was an accident,” the judge added.
“His intention was to scare her. He held the knife in his hand and lurched or jabbed towards her.
“He didn’t intend to kill her and did not intend to cause her really serious injury.”
The judge urged jurors to reach a unanimous verdict, meaning one that they all agree on.
During the trial, the court heard that the boy walked to a nearby train station after Aria was injured.
He told a group of children there that he had killed her accidentally.
Another child rang police on 999 and officers attended the station – arresting the boy shortly after he boarded a train.
Home Office pathologist Dr Amanda Jeffery told the court that Aria died as a result of a single stab wound to her chest.
Dr Jeffery added that Aria would have died “very swiftly” from the injury.
Aria attended school on the day of her death and was collected from an after-school dance class by her mother, Tori Hull, at about 4.30pm.
They went shopping for mini-pizzas and toppings, which they made together. Ms Hull left for an evening work shift shortly after, with Aria watching YouTube videos on the television.
Family friend Ollie Sheppard, who was staying temporarily at the house, returned there after work at about 6pm.
He found Aria on the floor of the living room and rang 999, with police and paramedics arriving a short time later.
Tragically, Aria could not be saved and was pronounced dead at 6.58pm.
The trial, before Mrs Justice O’Farrell, continues.