An Ilkeston teenager who stabbed 18-year-old Noah Smedley to death in a shocking and unprovoked attack has been jailed for life.
Charles Hartle, who was 17 at the time, fatally stabbed Noah with a Rambo-style knife on 28 December last year after arranging to meet him under the pretence of buying cannabis.
Hartle pulled a balaclava over his face, grinned, and plunged the blade into Noah’s chest just as he went to fist-bump him goodbye. Noah died at the scene on Heanor Road despite desperate attempts by medics.
Hartle fled to a house party, showed off the knife, and later tried to cover his tracks by dumping his clothing, weapon, and phone. He eventually handed himself in at Ilkeston police station.
Following a two-week trial at Derby Crown Court in July, Hartle, now 18, of Station Road, Stanley, was convicted of murder. On Friday (22 August) he was jailed for life and must serve a minimum of 20 years before he can be considered for release.
“An eternal nightmare” – Noah’s family speak out
Moving victim impact statements were read in court on behalf of Noah’s devastated family.
His mother, Lucy Warner, told the court:
“Hartle murdered my son… he is a pile of ash for no reason.
We are living in an eternal nightmare. I am devastated and broken. I’ve suffered health problems because of this – the impact on me and our family is unbearable.”
A statement from Noah’s grandmother, father and brothers said:
“Our hearts are shattered into a million pieces. The pain of losing him is crushing us and it does not subside.
His presence was one of a kind and his absence is an unfillable void in our lives.”
Police: “A callous and calculated killer”
Detective Chief Inspector Claudia Musson, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said Hartle had shown a chilling lack of remorse:
“Hartle deliberately chose to carry a knife to this meeting with Noah and his actions on the night are those of a callous and calculated killer.
Noah was simply doing what many young men of his age do – spending time with his friends. He showed no aggression towards Hartle and made no threats. Yet Hartle deliberately and coldly chose to end his life.
Despite the horrific loss they have suffered, Noah’s family have shown incredible courage and dignity throughout this process.”
The knife used to kill Noah has never been recovered.
Our thoughts and condolences remain with Noah’s family and friends.