ITV Granada Reports correspondent Andy Bonner reports from Liverpool Crown Court. A 15-year-old boy has been jailed for life for murdering a 12-year-old schoolgirl who was stabbed in the neck after switching on the Christmas lights. Ava White, described as a “popular” and “well-liked” girl, was fatally injured in Liverpool city center with a knife after an argument that broke out when it was filmed on the social networking app Snapchat. Despite the best efforts of doctors, the Year 8 Notre Dame Catholic College student died a short time later in hospital on 25 November 2021. Her killer, from south Liverpool and who was 14 at the time of the stabbing, cannot be named for legal reasons, referred to throughout the trial as Boy A. Ava White was a student at Notre Dame Catholic College in Liverpool. Credit: Family photo Sentencing, Ms Amanda Yip told Boy A: “There is only one reason why Ava is dead. because you chose to carry a knife and you chose to take it out and use it. “It was an ugly weapon and you shouldn’t have had it.” The court heard after stabbing Ava, Boy A laughed and ran away, before digging out the knife, designer coat and mobile phone in a “cover-up”. CCTV showed him and his friends in a shop where the accused took a selfie and the group bought butter, which he said was for crusts. He then went to a friend’s house and when his mother contacted him because the police wanted to speak to him, he told her he was playing a computer game. He texted his mother saying he was “not going to the cells” after the stabbing. Police at the scene of Ava White’s murder in Liverpool city centre. Credit: PA images Boy A gave a false alibi to the police and blamed another boy for Ava’s murder, before changing his story and claiming he acted in “self-defence”. away’ because he thought it was a boy who might be armed. Ava’s friends who witnessed the fight said the boy “laughed” after stabbing her. The schoolgirl’s last words to her friends as she lay dead on the ground were “don’t leave me”, the court heard. A 20-second clip showing Ava White being stabbed was played during the trial, leaving family members present in the public gallery in tears. Boy A admitted owning the knife, which the court heard had a 7.5cm blade, but denied murdering her and manslaughter. But jurors found him guilty of murder after deliberating for two hours and eight minutes and 12 days trial at Liverpool Crown Court in May 2022. Ava White was stabbed with a 7.5 knife on the night she switched on the Christmas lights in Liverpool. Credit: Merseyside Police On Monday, Boy A was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum sentence of 13 years, for the murder of Ava White. Judge Yip added: Ava’s sister Mia spoke bravely about her loss and the terrible impact knife crime has on families. “I can’t put it better than her. As he said: “The victim’s family has been left with a life sentence that will never end.” “The friends who witnessed her murder will be deeply affected for the rest of their lives. “You will have a chance to grow up, but your life will change forever. You will have to spend the rest of your adulthood in custody. “I accept that you did not go out that night with the intention of killing or harming anyone. You didn’t know Ava. You met by chance. “It is a tragedy that the events leading to her death started so young. Ava was upset and an argument ensued. “There was a little bit of what looked like pushing and shoving, and that’s where it should have ended.” Instead, you chose to pull out your knife. Boy A initially denied stabbing Ava, but later admitted to manslaughter. Credit: PA images He continued: “You just shook her, putting the knife to her throat. The whole thing happened so quickly. “After you stabbed Ava, you ran away. You knew the police would be looking for you. “You got rid of the knife and the coat you were wearing. You tried to pretend you hadn’t been to town. “You were 14 at the time of the offense and are now 15 – although you look younger than that.” When she read a victim impact statement in court, Ava’s mother Leanne said she had “nothing to live for” after her daughter’s death. “He was my life, the life and soul of the party. She was a happy, healthy child who was adored by her family. The light of my life was dimmed forever,” said Leanne. “My heart is broken. I will never hear her laugh or hold her in my arms. Precious memories are all I have left of my Ava.” The heartbroken mother said her daughter wanted to travel the world and would have a “wonderful life”. Ava White was 12 when she was stabbed in the neck and killed. Credit: Family photo Leanne added: “We were once a happy family getting on with our lives. I used to be an extrovert, but now I dread every new day. My baby was murdered. “All this horror was caused by one person who insisted on recording Ava on his phone. He was 12 years old, kid. “He had only gone to see the lights go on at Christmas. How could we ever imagine that this would lead to her death? “Rest in peace my little girl, you are loved. Leanne ended her statement by thanking the people of Liverpool for their kindness and Merseyside Police for securing the conviction. Flowers were left at the scene of Ava White’s murder. Credit: PA images Rejecting calls to remove the identity of the young killer, Ms Amanda Yip said: “This offense has generated a very high level of interest. “I fully understand why Ava’s family would like to be named. In this case, there are real and immediate concerns for the accused if his identity becomes more widely known.” from the need to ensure the well-being of the accused. “There is evidence that the authorities have a genuine interest in protecting him. “I have the safety and well-being of his family in mind. I decline the request for an expected direction.” Want a quick and special update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know
