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Teenage boys stabbed 13-year-old after he was ‘lured’ by girl, court told

A 13-year-old boy was “lured” to a park by a girl where he was then “ambushed” by two teenage boys who stabbed him and left him to die, a court has heard.

Oliver Stephens, known as Olly, was killed at Bugs Bottom field in Emmer Green, Reading, Berkshire, on Sunday January 3 this year after the attack was arranged by a teenage girl, jurors were told.

Both alleged attackers were said to have had “grievances” with Olly.

The two boys, who are now 14, deny murder and are on trial at Reading Crown Court.

The girl, also 14, and one of the boys have both admitted manslaughter.

Emmer Green stabbing
Olly Stephens, 13, was stabbed to death at Bugs Bottom field in Emmer Green, Reading, in January (Thames Valley Police/PA)

None of the three can be named for legal reasons.

Opening the prosecution case, Alison Morgan QC said: “(The girl) lured Olly to the location of the attack, in a place called Bugs Bottom, and she lured him to allow the attack to be carried out by the two defendants.

“The attack had been planned by the defendants in the days leading up to the attack.

“The defendants were motivated by perceived grievances with Olly.

“At least one of the two of them had a knife with them.

“They carried out a joint attack, during the course of which one of the two of them used the knife they were carrying to stab Olly – once to the chest and once to the back.”

Emmer Green stabbing
Floral tributes and cards were left for Olly Stephens, 13, after his death (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Ms Morgan said the defendants then fled the scene before getting rid of incriminating evidence, such as mobile phone data and clothes worn during the attack.

She said the younger boy, who was 13 at the time, used a knife to stab Olly, but that the older boy must have known he was carrying the weapon.

The prosecutor said the girl was also present at the scene during the attack.

She said: “Putting it bluntly, Olly was ambushed by these defendants.

“He was physically attacked by (the two boys) and with (the girl) standing by, lending assistance by her presence.

“There were others who were also present but did not play a significant role in the attack.”

Jurors were told the defendants had shared several messages on Snapchat in the days leading up to Olly’s death which demonstrated hostility towards him.

Other messages referenced the possession, handling and use of knives, the prosecutor said.

The trial is being held in special circumstances, with counsel removing their wigs and gowns due to the defendants’ ages.

The trial continues.

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