Mother of stab victim weeps over murder case

A mother wept as she told a murder trial about the events leading up to the death of her teenage son who was stabbed five times during a pre-arranged fight.

Eileen Price, aged 42, gave evidence at Worcester Crown Court about the last few days of 19-year-old Shane's life.

The court was told that Shane died after being stabbed five times, including once through the heart, during a fight on Hartlebury Common, near Stourport, in February last year.

Asked to describe her son, she said: "He was a lovely lad – a very kind young gentleman. He was very quiet in himself and was always true to his friends."

The jury heard that Joe Carpenter, also 19, has pleaded guilty to murder and to the grievous bodily harm of Eileen Price.

His parents Paul Carpenter, 55, and Tracy Carpenter, 46, of Park Crescent, Stourport, deny murder.

Mrs Price of a mobile home park in Broach Road, Stourport told the jury the familes knew each other and there had been tension between them.

Mr Timothy Raggatt, prosecuting, said a fight had been pre-arranged by Mrs Price and Mrs Carpenter.

As far as the Prices were concerned, he said, the fight was to be a "fair-play fight".

The trial continues.