A defence lawyer has described messages allegedly sent by a teenager accused of murder in the period before a fatal stabbing as those of an inexperienced young person attempting to appear impressive to peers.

The defendant, who remains anonymous due to legal restrictions, faces a murder charge at Hove Crown Court in connection with the death of Joshua Ingram, who was killed at Seaford railway station on September 10, 2025.

Alongside two other young people, aged 17 and 15, he also faces charges of conspiracy to inflict grievous bodily harm with intent.

The 15-year-old additionally stands trial on suspicion of helping an offender, a charge the 17-year-old has admitted.

According to the prosecution, the three individuals allegedly organised and carried out the stabbing following an unpaid £20 debt for cannabis.

Court proceedings included Snapchat communications in which the murder defendant allegedly wrote that Joshua would suffer harm if the money was not received, stating he was prepared to spend decades in prison over a small quantity.

Following the prosecution’s opening statement, the defendant’s barrister Colin Aylott KC told the jury the central disagreement concerned the question of intention.

While the defendant has admitted to manslaughter, the prosecution maintains murder charges are appropriate, asserting he meant to cause severe harm.

The defence contends his objective was limited to inflicting minor injury.

According to Mr Aylott, the prosecution claims message evidence demonstrates his genuine intentions.

However, he stated the defence would argue the communications represent either fantasy, adolescent overstatement, or deliberate falsehoods by an inexperienced youth seeking to impress companions.

The defence also contests whether all messages relate specifically to Joshua.

Counsel for the 15-year-old similarly invited jurors to consider whether communications reflected genuine commitment or mere bluster, requesting they be assessed in full context.

During police questioning, the defendant viewed station CCTV footage and the implement used in the attack.

He declined to answer any questions.

One of the other youths said in a statement that the defendant had described carrying out the attack and gestured to his stomach area. The term used denotes stabbing.

The youth described him as emotionally volatile, adding that he appeared unaware of the seriousness of his actions and remained composed.

Another youth acknowledged participating in drug dealing alongside the perpetrator.

When they surrendered to authorities with a bag, one produced a significant sum of money from his clothing.

The prosecution told the jury both individuals seemed upset and commented that others would view them as killers.

An officer asked if he would hand over the money from his pocket, which he refused.

He informed police he knew of at least five individuals who owed money for drugs, including Joshua Ingram.

The hearing is ongoing.