A boy accused of murdering Hampton teenager Jamil Palmer was “no planner of a murderous attack”, the Old Bailey heard today.

Kishon Zelaya, 18, from Reading, is on trial for Mr Palmer’s murder, along with a 15-year-old (defendant A), two 16-year-olds (defendant B and C) and a 17-year-old (defendant D), none of whom can be named for legal reasons.

Sallie Bennett-Jenkins QC, Mr Zelaya’s defence barrister, told the jury there was no greater evidence in her client’s defence than the fact he stayed to help Mr Palmer, who was fatally stabbed in Crane Park on May 6.

She said: “Kishon played no part in the application of fatal injuries on a person that is his friend – he is no planner of a murderous attack.

“He is a young kid, little more than a boy, and he did not know that Jamil Palmer and [defendant D] had fought before.

“He didn’t know anything about the fight that happened after the court hearing earlier that day.

“What greater piece of evidence knocks down the prosecution’s case than the fact he did not run, he stayed and he helped.”

Mr Zelaya had no reason to want to see Mr Palmer, of Belgrade Road, hurt or killed, the court heard.

Ms Bennett-Jenkins added: “We suggest Kishon Zelaya did not know there was a knife there and he did not want Jamil Palmer to be hurt.

“He did not say or do anything to encourage [defendant D].”

The Old Bailey trial is now approaching its closing stages, with legal representative’s closing speeches now at an end.

Mark Milliken-Smith QC, representing defendant B, described the former Richmond College and Kingston College student’s death as “both senseless and tragic” in his closing speech.

He added: “We have heard a good deal of theories about what may have happened from the Crown with no evidence to support them and often theories and assertions which were not even raised when the defendants gave evidence.”

Judge Richard Hone QC has directed the jury to dismiss a secondary charge of grievous bodily harm, as set out in the indictment.

All five defendants are accused of murdering Mr Palmer.

Judge Hone is due to deliver his summing up speech and directions for the jury tomorrow.

The trial continues.