Gordon Gault death: Newcastle accused killer 'out of his depth'

Gordon Gault died from his wounds six days after being stabbed

A teenager accused of murdering a 14-year-old boy in a group attack was "out of his depth", a court has heard.

Gordon Gault died in hospital six days after being struck with a machete in Newcastle in November last year.

Six people, now aged 16 to 18, deny murder, and wounding a 17-year-old boy.

Prosecutors have told Newcastle Crown Court the youngsters went to "ambush" a rival, but lawyers for one of the youths said he ran at the first sign of trouble.

The court has heard there was a rivalry between the Benwell-based defendants and youths from Elswick, which started last summer with rap videos mocking and threatening each other.

The six defendants said they went to "enemy territory" at Elswick Park on 9 November to show they were not scared after one of them was attacked earlier in the day.

Gordon Gault was stabbed near Elswick Park on 9 November last year

Prosecutors said they went armed to carry out a revenge attack, but in their closing speeches lawyers for the youths said they ran as soon as their rivals started gathering.

Gordon was riding pillion on a bike when he was stabbed in the arm by Carlos Neto, 18.

Two of the defendants, aged 16 and 17, are unable to be identified because of their age. The others, who are all 18, are:

• Carlos Neto, of Manchester Road East, Manchester

• Benedict Mbala, of St John's Walk, Newcastle

• Lawson Natty, of Eastgarth, Newbiggin Hall Estate, Newcastle

• Daniel Lacerda, of Paddock Close, Ferryhill

Andrew O'Byrne KC, representing the 17-year-old defendant, said the-then 16-year-old youth "was a boy completely out of his depth".

He said the youth first encountered trouble in July 2022 when people in masks turned up at his house looking for him in a "visit that oozed malice and threats".

Mr O'Byrne said the boy moved away from Newcastle but kept in touch with his friends.

'Ashamed'

He returned days before the stabbing, the court heard, and carried a hammer for protection.

Mr O'Byrne said on 9 November the group were "pursued" as they fled the park, adding: "They wanted to get away, they were frightened."

He said the boy later disposed of his hammer and jacket in a wood because he feared "retribution".

Mr O'Byrne also said the boy accepted being involved in group chats and writing lyrics "boasting" about the attack which was "hideously unattractive".

"He has a lot to be ashamed of but he's acknowledged that," Mr O'Byrne said, adding jurors may not like the youth but that did not mean he was a murderer.

Prosecutors have said while Mr Neto accepts inflicting the wounds on Gordon and another 17-year-old boy moments later, all six defendants are guilty of both attacks under the concept of joint enterprise.

Mr Neto said he acted in self-defence.

The trial continues.