Two teenage boys face trial on murder charge
The 16-year-olds have appeared at Winchester Crown Court after a man was found dead in a house in Dorset
Last updated 13th Jan 2022
Two boys accused of murdering a man in Christchurch will stand trial this summer.
The body of 35-year-old Edward Reeve was discovered in a house in Heath Road, Walkford on January 4.
The 16-year-olds from Bournemouth and Christchurch are both charged with murder "on or around" December 31, 2021.
The pair, who cannot be named because of their age, are due to enter pleas in April.
The teenagers appeared at Winchester Crown Court by video link from Feltham Young Offender Institution for a short hearing on Thursday.
Judge Angela Morris adjourned the case to be tried before a High Court judge at Winchester starting on June 27, with a hearing for the defendants to enter a plea set for April 20.
She said: "Today both defendants will be remanded in custody. These matters will go over until April 20 for the plea and trial preparation hearing."
Speaking to the defendants, she added: "It's really important that you both engage with your legal teams and co-operate with them and give them all the information they need to properly advise you and prepare your case for trial.
"That is very important as this is a serious offence that you are both facing."