A 14-year-old boy accused of murdering a father-of-three in a confrontation outside his Chingford home has been remanded in custody.
James Markham, 45, was stabbed to death in Churchill Terrace last Monday after challenging a group of teenagers for shouting and swearing at the back of his home.
The teenager accused of killing Mr Markham appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday morning to face charges of murder, possession of a knife in a public place, and breach of a criminal behaviour order.
The boy was wearing a face mask, blue clinical gloves, and a PPE apron over his grey t-shirt as he appeared at the hearing via videolink from a secure youth detention centre.
He spoke only to confirm his identity to the court.
“The defendant was sent to this court principally in respect of an allegation of murder,” said prosecutor Louise Oakley.
“It was a knife attack in broad daylight, in front of members of the public.”
The court heard Mr Markham was stabbed twice, in the neck and a fatal wound to the left side of his body.
It is said he was attacked about 6.20pm and died at the scene around an hour later, despite desperate efforts to save him.
Judge John Hillen remanded the boy into youth custody, with a plea hearing set for November 2.
“In the current circumstances I can’t give a trial date, but given the age of the defendant it will take precedence in the list,” he said.
No pleas were entered by the accused at the hearing.
