Norwegian teen footballer tells court: 'I'm no cold-blooded professional hitman'

A Norwegian teenager and footballer accused of flying to the UK to assassinate a stranger for money told a court on Wednesday that he is 'no cold-blooded professional hitman'. Johannes Kongsnes Natland, whose age has not been disclosed, made the statement as he appeared before the Old Bailey to face charges over an alleged murder plot. Natland has denied conspiring to murder an unknown person but has admitted possession of two firearms and ammunition. The prosecution alleges he travelled from Norway to the UK with the intention of carrying out a paid killing. The court heard that the teenager was arrested after arriving in the country and later charged with conspiracy to murder. In a brief statement from the dock, Natland insisted he was not a hardened criminal, telling jurors: 'I'm no cold-blooded professional hitman.' The trial continues.