Primrose Hill stabbing victim Harry Pitman's mother yells 'coward' at her son's alleged killer - as boy, 17, denies murdering teenager at New Year's Eve fireworks display

Primrose Hill stab victim Harry Pitman's mother today yelled 'coward' at her son's alleged killer in court.

Medics desperately tried to save Harry but he was pronounced dead just 20 minutes before midnight after he was attacked with a hunting knife at a New Year's Eve fireworks display in north London. 

The 17-year-old defendant, who cannot be named, appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link from Oakhill youth prison in Milton Keynes. 

Wearing a black jacket and white shirt, the defendent denied murder and having an offensive weapon, namely a 'hunting style knife' in a sheath.

Harry's mother Amanda Woolveridge screamed 'you coward' at the alleged killer before apologising to the judge and leaving court.

Along with three other members of the family she had made the sign of the cross as they entered court.

Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward, KC, earlier said the teenager was 'armed with a hunting style knife in a sheath in a public place being frequented by members of the public.

'The incident took place within yards of emergency services including police officers who were attending.'

The Honourable Mr Justice Cavanagh KC set the trial date for the week beginning September 2, with estimates that it may take four to six weeks.

Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward said: 'There is not a large body of evidence to look through, only eyewitnesses and CCTV.

'Psychiatric and psychological assessments are planned.'

Defence counsel David Bentley agreed that psychological help would be needed.