Ava White, 12, was stabbed to death at a Christmas lights switch-on event in Liverpool city centre.
Image source, Family handout
A 14-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty to murdering a schoolgirl who was stabbed to death at a Christmas lights switch-on event.
Ava White, 12, was with friends when she was attacked in Liverpool city centre on 25 November.
She was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where she later died.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his age, pleaded not guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to her murder.
A trial, which is expected to last for three weeks, is due to start on 9 May.
About a dozen relatives were in court for the hearing, which lasted about 30 minutes, with some in tears as the teenager entered his plea.
Image source, PA Media
In December, a coroner said the cause of Ava’s death was a stab wound to the neck.
Ava’s father Robert Martin previously said the family were “completely devastated and heartbroken”.
Three other boys were also arrested following the schoolgirl’s death.
Merseyside Police said a 16-year-old was released on bail, a 14-year-old was released under investigation and no further action was taken against a 13-year-old.
Hundreds of people paid tribute to Ava at a vigil in December, while a minute’s applause was held by Everton and Liverpool fans at the Merseyside derby.
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- 1 December 2021
