Glynis Bensley murder trial: Killer boy was 'out to impress elders'

The 13-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has admitted the robbery and manslaughter of Glynis Bensley on September 3, but denies her murder.

At a hearing earlier this week, the youth opted not to give evidence before the jury. But in a closing speech given by his defence barrister, the court heard while the teenager accepted responsibility through his guilty pleas he had not intended to cause the 47-year-old serious harm.

The trial previously heard Miss Bensley, of Rosefield Road, was punched in the head and stamped in the face before being stripped of her money, mobile phone, cigarettes and jewellery.

She died in Chester Road, Smethwick, following the attack.

The youth appears alongside 20-year-old Zoheb Majid, of Chester Road, who denies all charges.

Mr Michael Turner QC, defending the youth, said: "If dealing with an adult they would know their own strength but the same cannot be said of a 13-year-old."

Mr Turner said his client had not used 'any kind of weapon'.

"Most 13-year-olds would know if you attack someone with a knife or a baseball bat serious harm is likely to occur. My client had no weapon at all. That fact suggests he did not intend to do serious harm."

He said after punching Miss Bensley, it was said by prosecutors the youth had stamped on the woman's face.

Mr Turner said CCTV images showed this would have been from a 'squatting position' and would not have been delivered with a great deal of force.

Mr Turner said while his client had not given evidence before the jury he had 'opened his mouth' to others - including the group in the park.

"He has also pleaded guilty to both robbery and manslaughter which is quite brave for a 13-year-old to do," he said.

In terms of co-accused Majid, Mr Turner said: "Why would a 20-year-old have anything to do with a 13-year-old unless he wanted something from him?"

He said the older man was 'directing' his client.

"My client is a stupid, impressionable little boy trying to impress his elders but not his betters but he is not guilty of murder."

Majid also opted not to give evidence before a jury. A closing speech was due to be given by his defence, Mr Jo Sidhu QC, today (Thu).

During his closing speech, Mr Richard Atkins QC, prosecuting, said neither the youth nor Majid had attempted to call 999 or help Miss Bensley when she was lying on the ground.

"They did not care about her," he said.

"What intent can you have if you step on someone's face but to cause them serious injury?"

The trial continues.