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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
James Morris

Peter Duncan death: Boy, 17, admits murder after stabbing lawyer with screwdriver in Newcastle

The devoted father was fatally stabbed at a shopping centre at Old Eldon Square, Newcastle (Picture: Northumbria Police/PA)

A 17-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to murdering Newcastle lawyer Peter Duncan, who was stabbed with a screwdriver in the city last month.

The attack happened outside a branch of Greggs on August 14 and "devoted father" Mr Duncan later died in hospital.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Leeds Crown Court via videolink to admit the murder.

He also pleaded guilty to stealing screwdrivers from Poundland and possessing an offensive weapon.

Police officers conduct a search near Old Eldon Square, Newcastle, last month. The 52-year-old was assaulted outside a branch of Greggs on Wednesday and later died in hospital (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Mr Duncan had been walking home from work through the busy Eldon Square shopping centre when he was murdered. Northumbria Police said the attack was unprovoked.

The murderer, who wore headphones as he listened in to the case from HMP Wetherby, will be sentenced in December after psychiatric and psychological reports are prepared.

Police officers conduct a search near Old Eldon Square, Newcastle, last month. The 52-year-old was assaulted outside a branch of Greggs on Wednesday and later died in hospital (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Judge Andrew Stubbs told him: "The appropriate form and length of your sentence will be decided at the start of December when the necessary reports have been prepared and served on the prosecution and defence."

Mr Duncan's family described him as a "devoted father, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend and loved by all who knew him".

He was 52 years old and his family added: "Words can't quite describe what life will be like without him.

"He had so much of his life left to live and he’ll be in our hearts and thoughts every day.”

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