Youth 'did not know' care worker was shot

5:03pm Friday 16th May 2008

A TEENAGER accused of murdering a Polish care worker who was caught in crossfire during a gunfight has said he only fired two shots in the air to scare off a rival.

Magda Pniewska, 26, was killed when two youths opened fire, the Old Bailey has heard.

She was hit by a single bullet to the head on October 2 last year in John Williams Close, New Cross.

Giving evidence today (May 16), the 17-year-old accused of her murder said he was attacked by another teenager as he stood talking to friends in a car park.

The teenager said he was at the scene to sell a gun and had agreed to meet someone there.

He then spotted another youth, who he had previously fought with and wanted to apologise to.

He said: "I saw a gun in his hand and he just fired.

"I just ducked, I was a bit surprised."

Two or three shots followed, jurors heard.

He said: "I was panicking. That's when I realised I had the gun."

The youth claimed he fired no more than two shots into the air.

When he saw the other man run off, he fled down an alleyway away from the car park and threw the gun behind some bins.

It was only as he escaped that he saw a body on the floor.

Prosecutors concede the youth on trial did not fire the fatal shot, but say he is criminally responsible for the death.

The teenager, from Streatham Hill, denies murder, attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

But he has admitted possession of a prohibited firearm.

The second youth was arrested but has not been charged.

The trial continues.