Ava White: Boy, 14, appears in Liverpool Crown Court accused of murder

The teenager appeared via video link at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday for a 15-minute hearing.
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A teenager charged with the murder of 12-year-old Ava White, who was stabbed to death in Liverpool city centre, appeared in Liverpool Crown Court via video link on Wednesday.

Ava, who had been in town with friends, suffered “catastrophic injuries” in an assault on Thursday night after attending the Christmas lights switch-on at Church Street.

Ava White has been described as “unique” and an “incredibly popular girl". Photo: Merseyside PoliceAva White has been described as “unique” and an “incredibly popular girl". Photo: Merseyside Police
Ava White has been described as “unique” and an “incredibly popular girl". Photo: Merseyside Police
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The 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is also charged with possession of a bladed article.

The teenager appeared via video link from custody and did not make an application for bail.

Judge Andrew Menary QC set a date of 18 February for a plea hearing and trial preparation.

The boy will remain in custody in secure accommodation until that date.

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Judge Menary listed the case for a potential trial on May 16.

Three other teenagers – one aged 13, one aged 14 and one aged 15 - who were also arrested in connection with the incident, were conditionally bailed by police on Sunday.

What happened to Ava White?

Merseyside Police said Ava became embroiled in “a verbal argument” with a group of boys shortly after the Christmas lights were turned on in Church Street on Thursday night.

The incident then escalated into an “assault on her with a knife” and the offenders fled up School Lane, across Hanover Street and into Fleet Street.

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Officers were called to the scene at approximately 20:39 after receiving reports of the attack.

When officers arrived they discovered Ava collapsed on the ground in Church Alley and a member of the public, who witnessed the incident, was giving first aid.

Police conduct a search near the scene in Liverpool city centre where 12-year-old Ava White died following an assault.Police conduct a search near the scene in Liverpool city centre where 12-year-old Ava White died following an assault.
Police conduct a search near the scene in Liverpool city centre where 12-year-old Ava White died following an assault.

Paramedics attended at the scene and Ava was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where sadly she died a short time later despite the best efforts of medical staff.

Four males – one aged 13, two aged 14 years and one aged 15 years, all from Toxteth - were subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.

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Ava died on White Ribbon Day - a worldwide campaign to end violence against women and girls.

“Utterly tragic event”

On Friday, flowers were being laid on Church Street in tribute to Ava, as forensics officers and police searched the scene.

A balloon was left by 17-year-old Lacey, who did not want to give her surname, who said her younger sister had been close friends with Ava.

She said: “She was just a bubbly character, so loving and caring.

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“She came out with her friends to enjoy herself and I think it’s just wrong that this has happened.”

Ava White died after she was assaulted in Liverpool city centre.Ava White died after she was assaulted in Liverpool city centre.
Ava White died after she was assaulted in Liverpool city centre.

Ava was a popular Year Eight student at Notre Dame Catholic College in Everton and had previously attended The Trinity Catholic Primary school.

Peter Duffy, Head Teacher of Notre Dame, said: “Ava was a much loved, valued and unique member of the Notre Dame family. She was an incredibly popular girl with a fantastic group of friends.

“Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Ava’s family and friends and all those affected by this utterly tragic event.

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“My staff are working with students to provide all the support they need at this traumatic time.”

Ava will be remembered during Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, with both Liverpool and Everton fans asked to applaud on 12 minutes.

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