Tributes paid to 'amazing' teen killed in knife attack

THE girlfriend and parents of a teenager stabbed to death at the weekend today paid emotional tributes to him as a man was set to appear in court over the alleged killing.

• Dale Bennett was stabbed to death on Saturday morning

Dale Bennett, 17, died after being stabbed in the early hours of Saturday morning in a residential street in Gorebridge, Midlothian. He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary following the incident, which happened at around 2.20am, but died shortly after.

With more than 1000 people visiting a Facebook page set up in his memory, and a sea of flowers appearing at the scene of the attack, Dale's long-term girlfriend, Nicole Ormiston, 16, said: "He had a heart of gold, he was absolutely amazing and always happy. He was loving and caring and such good fun. We had been going out for five years and now he's gone forever. I just can't believe it.

"He was really into his football, he was good at that, and he loved going to the gym, keeping fit and socialising with his pals. His best pal was Luke, they were like brothers; so close. He knew more about me and Dale's relationship than I did.

"He was just a fabulous, brilliant guy; he was loved by many and never once had an enemy."

Dale had recently left school and started a job as an apprentice steeplejack at local firm Zenith. Nicole said: "He was really pleased about getting the job. I remember him coming in after he got it looking so happy. He said 'I'm Dale Bennett and I'm the Jack'."

Nicole said she had rushed to hospital after being told what had happened. She said: "I got a phone call 20 minutes before it happened, saying he was in hospital. I went straight there and when I got in they said I just need to take a seat. I said I wanted to see him but they said 'sorry, he's passed away'."

Dale's parents, Garry and Michelle, were too upset to speak publicly. But in a statement, they said: "He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, uncle and nephew and was a very caring and loving person and we are struggling to accept he is no longer with us.

"Dale was an outgoing young man, extremely popular and lived life to the full. He was excited about his new job with Zenith.

"Dale enjoyed being part of a loving family and was close to his Mum to whom he could talk about anything and everything, as she was a good listener.

"A typical big brother, he used to torment his little sister Tiegan but in reality he loved her with all his heart. He also had great affection for his girlfriend Nicole. Dale was passionate about sport, was a loyal Hearts fan and loved playing 5-a-sides at Newtongrange with his Dad and older brother Gary. One of the highlights for him was playing in a charity football match with his dad and brother against the Hibs Legends"

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "Lothian and Borders Police can confirm that a 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged with the murder of a 17-year-old youth in Newbyres Crescent, Gorebridge, in the early hours of yesterday, Saturday February 12. He appears at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, February 14."