A teenager has been sentenced for the murder of 16-year-old Harry Pitman during New Year's Eve celebrations on Primrose Hill, in a shocking attack that occurred just metres from uniformed police officers.
Fatal Celebration Turns to Tragedy
Areece Lloyd-Hall, who was 16 at the time of the offence, was sentenced today (Monday, November 10) at the Old Bailey for plunging a knife into Harry Pitman's neck during the fireworks display on December 31, 2023. The court had previously heard gasps on October 29 when Lloyd-Hall was convicted of murder following a retrial, after the initial jury failed to reach a verdict.
The 18-year-old from Westminster was found guilty by a majority of 11 to one after nearly eight hours of deliberation. He had already been convicted of possessing an offensive weapon in relation to the same incident.
Moments Before the Attack
The tragic sequence of events began when Harry accidentally bumped into another boy while "play-fighting" and practicing high kicks with friends. The situation rapidly escalated in front of a crowd of revellers who had gathered to watch the famous London fireworks.
In what the court described as "shocking" mobile phone footage, a knife sheath was seen flying through the air during the fast-paced altercation. Harry immediately held his neck as his white T-shirt became covered in blood, pushing through the crowds towards police officers while calling for "help".
Tragically, the teenager collapsed and died minutes later, shortly before midnight, despite the close proximity of uniformed officers.
Aftermath and Sentencing
Lloyd-Hall later claimed he thought he had only hit Harry with the knife sheath rather than the blade itself. However, evidence presented during the trial proved otherwise, leading to his murder conviction.
The sentencing hearing began at 10am at the Old Bailey, bringing a conclusion to the case that has highlighted the ongoing issue of knife crime among young people in London. The location of the attack - on Primrose Hill during one of London's most popular public celebrations - has raised significant concerns about public safety at major events.
