Boy, 16, denies murdering drug dealer in alleyway

A 16-year-old boy has gone on trial accused of murdering a drug dealer who was robbed at knifepoint.

The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, is alleged to have stabbed Hamid Erfani, 46, in a Cheltenham alleyway on 16 December last year, after allegedly taking cash, drugs and a mobile phone off him.

A jury at Bristol Crown Court heard the boy, who was 15 at the time, and another teenager, have admitted the robbery in Larput Place and being in possession of knives, but the defendant denies murder, saying he was acting in self defence.

Prosecuting, Anna Vigars KC said there was "no lawful reason" for the boy to do what he did.

Outlining the prosecution's case, Vigars KC said there was no evidence to suggest Erfani knew the defendant, but it was likely the defendant knew Erfani was involved in dealing drugs and so "hatched a plan" to rob him.

The court was shown CCTV footage of the defendant and the other boy arriving at the scene shortly before Erfani, who arrived by car and walked into the alleyway after parking.

The alleyway was not covered by CCTV, but the prosecution said witnesses confirmed the pair "cornered" Erfani and both produced large knives. "Unsurprisingly", Erfani did not resist, Vigars KC said.

After taking cash, drugs and his mobile phone, Vigars KC said that, instead of leaving, the defendant stabbed Erfani in the chest.

"We suggest that at the end of this case the evidence will make you sure that he is guilty of murder," Vigars KC told jurors.

The trial continues.

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