Teen admits to manslaughter in Holly Newton's stabbing case

A teenager accused of murdering 15-year-old Holly Newton in a knife attack has claimed he cannot remember the incident, which left her with 36 stab wounds. The tragic event occurred in January last year in the Priestpopple area of Hexham, Northumberland. Despite being rushed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, Holly could not be saved. During a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, the 17-year-old defendant testified via video link, stating he recalled getting off a bus that day but had no memory of the stabbings. In his testimony, the defendant, who was 16 at the time of the attack, was questioned by defense barrister Nigel Edwards about his intentions on the day of the incident. He insisted that he did not go to Hexham with the intention of harming Holly or anyone else. Instead, he revealed that he was struggling with severe mental health issues and had contemplated taking his own life. He described experiencing "horrible stuff" in his mind, attributing some of his distress to a troubled childhood marked by physical abuse from family members. The court heard that Holly and the injured boy had visited a pizza shop shortly before the attack, while the defendant waited at a nearby bus stop. He has denied charges of murder and wounding with intent against the boy, maintaining that he did not intend to cause harm. The trial continues as the jury considers the evidence presented.