A JUDGE warned jury members not to let strong feelings about knife crime influence their judgment of the facts in a murder trial.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, stands accused of killing Arnold Potter in the Maidenbower area of Crawley in November last year.

The 24-year-old died from stab wounds in Watson Close, causing shock in the community when police sealed off the area and forensics experts were called in.

Today, the boy accused appeared in the dock for the start of his trial at Hove Crown Court, where he spoke to confirm his name, and to deny a charge of possessing a knife in public.

He previously denied the murder charge at an earlier hearing.

Six women and six men were sworn in as jurors in the case, which is expected to last for three weeks.

Judge Jeremy Gold QC told them: “This case involves murder, a stabbing in the street back in November last year.”

He introduced lead counsel Rowan Jenkins for the prosecution, and Michael Ivers for the defence.

The judge also told the jury that one of the issues the defence is expected to raise is whether the boy had acted in lawful self-defence.

He said: “We live in times where there is concern about knife crime, which is constantly appearing in the media.

“People understandably have strong feelings about it.

“But it is very important that you don’t bring any preconceived ideas or views about knife crime and its prevalence in this trial.

“You must try this case on the evidence you hear in this courtroom without preconceived ideas about what is right or wrong, or about knives in general.

“We are all concerned, but your purpose is to decide whether the prosecution has made you sure that this young man is guilty of both or neither of the charges.”

The judge gave his usual directions to the jury not to discuss the case outside court or to do their own research. They were told the case would be emotional for friends and family members involved.

The judge said: “It is inevitable that you would feel some sympathy for Arnold Potter and members of his family.

“It’s possible you will feel great sympathy for the young man on trial at the age of 17.

“You must not allow any sympathy or emotion on either side to get in the way of the cold, hard analysis of this case.”

The boy denies murder and possessing a knife in public.

Mr Jenkins will open the case for the prosecution tomorrow.