Two teenagers are currently on trial for the murder of 15-year-old Amen Teklay, who was fatally injured in a sword attack on Clarendon Street in Maryhill, Glasgow, last year. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Amen did not survive his injuries and passed away at the scene. The accused teens, aged 16 and 17, are alleged to have assaulted Amen with a frying pan and a sword while their faces were covered on Glenfarg Street and Clarendon Street.
The prosecution claims that the teenagers pursued Amen and inflicted fatal injuries on him with the sword. Both defendants, whose identities are protected due to their age, deny the charges. The 16-year-old has put forward a defense of self-defense. The 17-year-old’s lawyer, Iain McSporran KC, argued that his client cooperated with the police investigation and had no malicious intent towards Amen.
McSporran emphasized that his client did not physically harm Amen and should be acquitted. He disputed the prosecution’s assertions, stating that the 17-year-old was not involved in any criminal activities. The defense lawyer also highlighted the lack of evidence linking his client to a joint criminal enterprise with the 16-year-old accused.
According to McSporran, Amen instigated the confrontation by seeking out the first accused with a weapon described as a “cutlass” or a “pirate sword.” The 17-year-old did not participate in the ensuing violence, the defense argued. McSporran reminded the jury that their verdict would not bring Amen back to his family and urged them to base their decision on the evidence presented in court.
The trial is ongoing at the High Court in Glasgow presided over by Lord Colbeck.