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A teenager on trial for the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Amen Teklay told the High Court in Glasgow that he acted in self-defence, believing he was protecting his 17-year-old friend from an imminent knife attack. The 16-year-old, who pleaded not guilty to murder, explained that Amen had charged toward his friend holding a knife, prompting him to shout a warning before stabbing Amen when he turned away. Despite his actions, Amen succumbed to his injuries.
According to the prosecution, Amen and another boy, aged 14, assaulted the teenager in Glasgow’s St George’s Cross on 5 March 2025, before chasing and stabbing him with a sword-like weapon. The trial revealed that the youths involved belonged to rival gangs engaged in a feud following the theft of cannabis by Amen’s group. Jurors were shown video evidence of previous violent encounters, including episodes featuring knives.
The accused admitted to purchasing the red-bladed sword online for £40 earlier that year. He told the court that videos circulating on social media showing him brandishing the blade were part of an attempt to “build a persona,” although he now regrets those actions, describing them as “very stupid.” On the night of the killing, he received a call warning that Amen was armed and seeking him and his friend. Later, the 16-year-old found himself alone with the 17-year-old on Clarendon Street, where Amen allegedly appeared suddenly with a knife.
The defendant recounted how both he and Amen drew blades and circled one another while the 17-year-old remained at a distance, armed only with a frying pan. The accused said Amen insulted him, to which he responded, “It’s Ramadan we don’t need to do this.” Fearing for his friend’s safety upon noticing the frying pan, he said he intervened by stabbing Amen as the latter turned away. In a state of panic, the 16-year-old discarded his bloodied clothing and attempted to dispose of the weapon by kicking it near a river in Kelvingrove Park. He maintained that he was unaware of Amen’s ultimate fate, only realizing he was seriously injured.
During proceedings, the court also heard from the 17-year-old co-accused, who denied prior issues with Amen. He explained that he had armed himself with a frying pan out of caution, anticipating a confrontation involving weapons. Recalling the stabbing, the 17-year-old said, “Amen gave out a really loud scream which made me freeze on the spot for a couple of seconds and I just ran off.” The trial continues under the presiding judge, Lord Colbeck
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