Knife teen chose not to speak at his murder trial

AN 18-YEAR-OLD accused of murdering a fellow teenager by stabbing him in the chest with a ‘Rambo’ knife, has chosen not to give evidence in his defence.

- By MARTIN NAYLOR

Peter Joyce KC, representing Charlie Hartle, told the jury at Derby Crown Court that his client will not take the stand at his trial.

The accused, of Station Road, Stanley Village, denies murdering Noah Smedley, who had a blade thrust into him in Rose Avenue, Ilkeston, on the evening of December 28, last year.

Rap-loving Hartle, nicknamed Lil Cee, and three friends, who had gone to the scene to buy cannabis from the deceased, then fled while Mr Smedley staggered into nearby Heanor Road and collapsed.