Teen accused of murdering man pleads 'self-defence'

Daniel Ceidi and a 16-year-old boy fought with knives in the old bus station in Hatfield, the trial heard

A teenager who denies murdering a 27-year-old man in a knife fight has opted not to give evidence at a trial.

Daniel Ceidi died after an altercation near The Galleria shopping centre in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, at lunchtime on Sunday, 23 March.

The teenage defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was 16 when Mr Ceidi died and is now 17.

Judge Jonathan Mann has told jurors at St Albans Crown Court that he had a "perfect right" not to give evidence. The trial continues

'Statement'

Jurors have finished hearing from witnesses, a judge has summarised the law jurors must apply, and barristers have begun summarising their cases.

Judge Jonathan Mann said the youth had been interviewed four times by police after being arrested and had answered "no comment" when questioned.

However, he stated that the youth's solicitor had read a statement at the beginning of the first interview and said: "He was at all times acting in self-defence."

Jurors heard evidence from witnesses to the altercation in central Hatfield in March

Barrister Neil Moore, prosecuting, told jurors that the teenager held a "grudge" against Mr Ceidi.

He said both Mr Ceidi, who was 5ft 9in (175cm) tall, and the teenager, who stood at about 6ft (183 cm), lived in Hatfield.

Jurors were told the pair had two encounters on the day of the incident.

Mr Moore said CCTV footage showed how Mr Ceidi and the teenager first crossed paths near a newsagent's shop.

Both were carrying knives when they later fought near The Galleria shopping centre, he added.

'Grudge'

"(Mr Ceidi) was afraid of the defendant, who he feared was out to get him," Mr Moore told the jury.

"He picked up the knife because he was extremely fearful."

Mr Moore said, "tragically", Mr Ceidi and the teenager had a second encounter at the site of the "old bus station".

He added: "The defendant acted upon his grudge and stabbed Daniel Ceidi to death."

Daniel Ceidi died after being stabbed near The Galleria shopping centre in Hatfield

Prosecutors said the teenager, who has admitted being in possession of a bladed article, has a "propensity" for carrying "really large" knives.

They also said he disposed of the knife used in the fight with Mr Ceidi, changed his shoes and went for treatment for a hand injury to a hospital "out of the area".

Jurors have been told that the teenager has convictions of possessing a machete and causing "serious" harm with a machete.

Lawyers representing the teenager said he does not have a propensity for carrying knives.