The killer, then aged 16 and who cannot be identified because of his age, also stabbed a boy until he was stopped by members of the public who intervened.
Holly's mother, Micala Trussler, had been so concerned that morning she contacted police about the boy, and it was agreed Holly should not leave school if the youth was outside, jurors at Newcastle Crown Court were told.
The defendant, who has mental health issues, admitted manslaughter but denied murder, claiming his mind went blank that day and that he had only intended to take his own life.
The prosecution said he had followed Holly around the town centre for about 45 minutes as she visited shops with friends, after the group had finished school for the day.
Holly had told a friend just hours before he stabbed her that the youth was 66basically stalking her", jurors heard.
This story is from the August 30, 2024 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the August 30, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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