Teenagers set to face trial in July accused of murder of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey

UPDATED:TWO teenagers accused of the murder of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey at Culcheth last Saturday are set to face trial in July.

The 15-year-old girl from Warrington and a 15-year-old boy from Leigh appeared for the first time today (Thursday) at Liverpool Crown Court.

Brianna was found with multiple stab wounds in Culcheth Linear Park on Saturday afternoon.

The two defendants, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared in court via video link from youth detention accommodation.
During the 25-minute hearing the mothers of both defendants were crying and the girl’s parents left the courtroom, which was crowded with media representatives, in tears.

The teenagers, both wearing dark clothing, only spoke to confirm their names and dates of birth and sat during the hearing each separately accompanied by a member of the detention centre staff.
Cheryl Mottram, prosecuting, said that July 10 is the date chosen for their trial, which is estimated to last three weeks. She said witnesses include three 15-year-olds and directions were made by Judge David Aubrey, KC, about their evidence.
The defendants were both further remanded to the youth detention accommodation to next appear at the court on May 2 when they are due to enter their pleas. No applications were made for bail today.
Judge Aubrey told the teenagers, who showed no reaction during the hearing, that it was possible some of the dates fixed by the court may alter as the trial judge has yet to be chosen.

After the hearing, Cheshire Police issued a statement in which DCI Adam Waller, who has been the Senior Investigating Officer in the case, said: “I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to the community of Culcheth for their support in relation to the investigation.
“We have been inundated with pieces of information from members of the community wanting to help and assist the enquiry. Many of our officers have been approached to offer their best wishes to us and, especially, to Brianna’s family.
“I know that the family have also been overwhelmed by the messages of support, positivity and the compassion across the country and beyond – and the thoughts of everyone at the Constabulary remains firmly with them.”

Family tribute to “beautiful, witty and hilarious” Brianna Ghey