Ava White’s family sob in court as final CCTV of schoolgirl, 12, being ‘stabbed to death by boy, 14’ is shown
THE BEREAVED family of schoolgirl Ava White sobbed in court today at footage of her being stabbed by her alleged killer - a 14-year-old boy.
The heartbreaking video clip captured the horrific moment Ava White was stabbed in Liverpool city centre at a Christmas lights event on November 25 last year.
The 12-year-old's family cried in Liverpool Crown Court as they watched CCTV footage of the fatal blow on School Lane and her alleged killer fleeing the scene.
Jurors also saw footage of alleged "altercations" between Ava and the 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The violence escalated after the defendant posted on Snapchat a video of Ava sitting in Richmond Street with her friends shortly before her death, the court heard.
Ava and the defendant allegedly argued because he had filmed her without permission.
Footage showed her and her friends approaching the defendant, who was with three other boys.
Police investigator Callum Suggit said: "There are some altercations between Ava and other members of the group and the group travel down Tarleton Street."
CCTV showed Ava running after the defendant and his friends, across Church Street and into Church Alley, before turning in to School Lane.
Ava's final moments were captured on cameras at the back of the city's Primark store at 8.35pm.
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The footage showed how Ava pushed the defendant and he backed away, before raising his hand in front of him holding a "reflective object".
The alleged killer then runs away on the video, while Ava is left holding her hands to her neck.
Charlotte Newell QC, prosecuting, said: "It's apparent, in that second or two, that is when Ava has received her injury?"
Mr Suggitt said: "It is, yes."
Ava's family members sobbed in the public gallery as the video was played twice at normal speed and twice in slow motion.
The court was also shown a picture of the knife allegedly used to stab Ava, which was later found discarded, and of the coat worn by the defendant, which was discovered in a wheelie bin.
The defendant, who appeared in court via video-link, denies murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.
The trial is due to last three weeks.
