Peter Duncan was “simply in the wrong place at the wrong time” when he was stabbed in the heart outside Eldon Square shopping centre in Newcastle on his way home from work
A teenager has pleaded guilty to murdering a devoted dad outside a Greggs in Newcastle.
The teen – who cannot be named because of his age – stabbed solicitor Peter Duncan in the heart with a screwdriver near a busy shopping centre in August.
The 52-year-old had been on his way home from work when he was attacked and suffered the fatal chest wound.
The dad-of-two was rushed to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary where he tragically died from his injuries.
The boy, wearing a grey sweatshirt, appeared in court today via a video link, where he pleaded guilty to murder.
He also pleaded guilty to the theft of screwdrivers from Poundland on August 14 and having the offensive weapon on him in Eldon Square on the same day.
The youth, who turns 18 next month, was remanded in custody until the next hearing.
He will be sentenced in December after psychiatric and psychological reports are prepared.
Judge Andrew Stubbs QC 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 is said to have just left his office five minutes away when he was attacked outside Eldon Square shopping centre just after 6pm.
At a previous hearing, it was said that he was “simply in the wrong place at the wrong time” when he crossed paths with the teenager, who has a history of violence and carrying knives.
This included an incident where he grabbed a knife during a family argument, and an occasion where he threatened a driver with a blade after he was challenged about drinking alcohol on the bus.
Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw said Mr Duncan and his killer came into contact with each other by chance at the entrance to the shopping centre, when they were walking in opposite directions.
The teenager had stolen the screwdrivers and was looking for another youth with whom he had previously argued about cigarettes.
Mr Wardlaw said: “The deceased raised his arm to let the defendant get past.
“It is captured on CCTV footage.
“The defendant took exception to that, took hold of the deceased and a struggle ensued.”
He managed to walk a short distance away before he collapsed to the floor.
CCTV camera tracked the youth’s movements through the city centre and the murder weapon was found later.
Mr Duncan worked as an electronic engineer designing medical devices before training as a solicitor.
He was a lawyer for a multi-national maritime firm and lived in the Benton area of the city.
His family previously said in a tribute: “Peter was a kind and caring man who was always first to help others.
“He was a devoted father, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend and loved by all who knew him. His death will leave such a huge hole in our lives and he’ll be deeply missed by us all.
“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.”
