ALLEGED murderer Aaron Roche was a former pupil at one of Hampshire's top independent schools, a court heard today.

Roche, 21, is accused of fatally stabbing Dele Little, 15, of Powell Crescent, Totton, in a fight at West Totton Centre in March this year, the trial has been told.

Today, the jury heard evidence from character witnesses called to fill time, after defence council Tim Mousley QC was too ill to attend.

Justine Le Maistre said she knew Roche, a groundworker, of Ringwood Road, Lyndhurst, since she was a pupil at The Atherley private school and he was at The Gregg private school in Townhill Park.

They then both attended Embley Park School near Romsey, she told the court.

Miss Le Maistre said Roche, who denies murder, was "kind, generous, open hearted, honest, polite, a gentleman."

Another school friend, Alistair Williams, said Roche was someone to "walk away" from violence.

The jury also heard from a senior doctor, Dr David Balfour, a GP in Lyndhurst who is also clinical director of the Hampshire Primary Care Trust.

Dr Balfour said: "I have known Aaron since he was born. I have known his family for about 30 years, as a GP and also a friendship developed over that period of time.

"He has always been fairly quiet,unfailingly polite and never known any indications of anti-social or violent behaviour."

Proceeding.