Girl accused of killing rival with a steel comb

United Kingdom — A 15-year-old is being accused of killing one of her fellow schoolmates with a steel comb after the deceased allegedly began a rumor involving the girl.  

According to the Old Bailey,  Julie Sheriff (16),  lay in a coma for four months before passing away without regaining conciousness.  

Sherrif was stabbed in the left temple in broad daylight with an Afro comb after she and the 15-year-old, rowed about malicious gossip involving boys, said Jonathan Turner, QC, prosecuting.  

The girl denies killing Julie who died on 21 September 2011 after the attack in Battersea,  South London.  

The jury was shown a replica of the comb with a spiked metal handle. 

Mr Turner said a bystander told police he saw the girl take the comb from a handbag, allegedly striking Julie's collarbone before plunging it into her skull.  

Upon her arrest the girl said she acted in self-defence after she took the comb from Julie.  

Mr Turner told the court the girls knew each other and "actively disliked one another". He added: "There seems to have been a row brewing as a result of malicious gossip, allegations Julie was making about [the girl] and a boy or boyfriends." There also appeared to be some "territorial issue" with the girl asking Julie: "Why are you here?".    

The trial will continue on 20 July.