A murder trial revealed that a teenager accused of the deadly sword attack on 15-year-old Amen Teklay did not physically harm him. Amen was discovered severely injured on Clarendon Street in Maryhill, Glasgow, last year and tragically succumbed to his injuries despite medical intervention. Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, face allegations of murdering Amen in a sword assault, with the trial ongoing.

The charges state that the two teenagers, wearing masks, attacked Amen with a frying pan and a sword or similar weapon on Glenfarg Street and Clarendon Street. They purportedly pursued Amen and struck him with the sword, resulting in fatal injuries. The accused minors, whose identities are protected due to their age, have denied the accusations. The 16-year-old has put forth a defense of self-defense.

During the trial, Iain McSporran KC, representing the 17-year-old, emphasized that his client cooperated with the police investigation following Amen’s death. McSporran urged the jury to acquit his client, asserting that the 17-year-old believed he had committed no wrongdoing. He argued that the prosecution’s charges were unwarranted, stating that his client had no involvement in any conflicts, drug-related activities, or gangs.

McSporran highlighted that while his client was cautious of Amen, he harbored no ill intentions towards him and did not physically harm him. The defense lawyer also pointed out the lack of evidence supporting the notion that his client and the 16-year-old were jointly involved in criminal activities. He mentioned that Amen had actively sought out the first accused on the day of the incident, armed with a “cutlass” or “pirate sword.” The 17-year-old did not partake in the ensuing violence, according to McSporran.

Addressing the jurors, McSporran acknowledged Amen’s family’s grief and loss, emphasizing that sympathy should not influence their verdict. The trial is ongoing at the High Court in Glasgow under the supervision of Lord Colbeck.