Pal tells how he comforted dying Dele (From Daily Echo)

Pal tells how he comforted dying Dele

12:38pm Wednesday 10th October 2007 in The Dele Little Trial By Andrew Napier, Winchester Chief Reporter

A FRIEND of alleged murder victim Dele Little told a court today how he comforted the dying boy.

Dele Little, 15, died of a stab wound to the heart, after a fight outside the West Totton Centre on February 3, Winchester Crown Court has heard.

Aaron Roche, 21, of Ringwood Road, Lyndhurst, denies murder.

The trial has heard that an angry Roche had sought out Dele after the teenager had rowed with Roche's girlfriend Kayleigh Shinn (corr).

Today a 17-year-old told the jury he had watched the fatal fight at close hand.

He said: "I saw a knife. Aaron was holding it in his right hand. As soon as I saw it I kicked it. I didn't hesitate one bit.

"Dele stumbled back with his hand on his chest. That was when I realised it was serious."

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said he attacked Roche, punching him before going to over to where Dele was lying.

In a quiet voice, he said: "I was there on the floor with Dele with lots of people crowded around. I held his hand while he was on the floor. Paramedics and an off-duty police officer were there."

Earlier, the youth said he had also heard Roche threatening to stab Dele.

He said: "I didn't think it was serious. When people fight a lot of words are said that they don't mean. I took him as drunk. I didn't think anything serious was going to happen."

Proceeding.