A teenager has been sentenced to a minimum of 16 years for the murder of 16-year-old Harry Pitman, who was fatally stabbed in the neck during a New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration in north London.

Areece Lloyd-Hall, who is now 18, was found guilty at the Old Bailey in October after a retrial, as the jury in his initial trial was unable to reach a conclusion.

The tragic incident occurred at Primrose Hill on December 31, 2023, when Harry accidentally collided with another boy while engaging in playful “fight training” and practicing high kicks, as the jury had previously noted.

Lloyd-Hall, hailing from Westminster, was convicted by a majority verdict of 11 to one after nearly eight hours of jury deliberation. He had also been previously convicted for possessing a weapon.

During a televised sentencing on Monday, Mr. Justice Cavanagh remarked that Lloyd-Hall carried a knife to feel “powerful” and out of “bravado,” not for protective reasons as he had suggested during his trial.

He described Harry as a typical “boisterous and exuberant” teenager who was “full of charm.”

The judge stated: “You stabbed Harry because you lost your temper, wanting to appear tough in front of your friends.”

In that critical “split second,” Lloyd-Hall must have realized he could seriously injure or kill Harry; however, Mr. Justice Cavanagh emphasized: “At that moment, your concern for his life was nonexistent.”

The judge pointed out that this case highlights the risks associated with young individuals carrying knives in public and should serve as both a warning and a deterrent.

Harry’s older sister, Tayla Lohan, shared with the court how their family is struggling to cope with the “senseless and brutal” loss.

Upon learning of their son’s injury, his parents hurried to the park to be with Harry, she recounted.

In her victim impact statement, she expressed: “As a family, we feel guilty that 2023 was the first year we did not celebrate together.

“Harry went out to enjoy time with his friends and did not return home.”

Ms. Lohan noted that the sound of fireworks at any time now brings back feelings of grief, and that there will “never be a joyful New Year for our family again.”

She characterized her brother as bright, energetic, and a budding entrepreneur who had pursued law studies at college, aspiring to follow in his great-grandfather’s footsteps by joining the Army.

Additionally, she mentioned that he was a devoted Tottenham Hotspur fan and enthusiastic about boxing, being well-liked by his peers.