Overview

• On July 15 a jury of eight women and four men was sworn in after reporting restrictions were lifted to allow Hartle’s naming now that he is 18.
• Prosecutor Adrian Langdale KC told jurors the killing was an “utterly pointless” act driven by the defendant’s “unhealthy interest” in knives and opened the case with CCTV evidence.
• Footage shows Hartle pulling down a balaclava, drawing an eight-to-nine-inch Rambo-style knife from his tracksuit and thrusting it through Noah Smedley’s heart on December 28 in Ilkeston.
• Hartle has admitted carrying the knife and pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article but denies murder, maintaining that he acted in self-defence over alleged threats.
• Judge Shaun Smith KC has indicated the trial will run up to three weeks as both sides prepare to call witnesses and examine forensic and CCTV material.