The mother of a nine-year-old girl testified that her daughter was in high spirits after a successful dance class before she was tragically stabbed to death by a teenage boy, a court was told.
Aria Thorpe lost her life after being stabbed in the chest at her residence in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, on December 15 last year.
A 16-year-old boy, whose identity is protected due to being a minor, refutes allegations of murder and manslaughter regarding Aria’s demise.
Testifying at Bristol Crown Court, Victoria Hull, known as Tori, recounted preparing Aria for school on the fateful morning. She later picked up Aria, who had decided to stay for a dance class, which led to a cheerful evening making pizzas and watching YouTube together at home.
Describing the moments leading up to the tragic event, Ms. Hull mentioned that Aria appeared happy and energetic following her dance class. Aria even requested and shared an Oreo with her mother before Ms. Hull headed out for work at Pontins, where she worked evening shifts to supplement their Christmas funds.
The court previously heard that after the incident, the teenage boy disclosed his actions at a nearby railway station, prompting a 14-year-old girl to alert the authorities. Witnesses reported the boy displaying signs of anxiety and making concerning statements before being apprehended by the police.
Pc Timothy Stride intervened at Worle train station, stopping the train and arresting the boy on suspicion of attempted murder, where the boy later confessed to the stabbing.
The trial overseen by Mrs. Justice O’Farrell is ongoing as further details emerge regarding the tragic incident.
