Provisional trial date set for 15-year-old boy accused of murdering teenager in Chippenham
Shayne Hambakachere, was found seriously injured on London Road shortly before 4pm on Saturday
Last updated 6th Feb 2026
A provisional trial date has been set for a 15-year-old boy who is charged with murdering a 16-year-old in Chippenham.
The youth, who cannot be identified due to his age, appeared before Bristol Crown Court via video link on Friday.
He is charged with murdering Shayne Hambakachere, who was found seriously injured on London Road shortly before 4pm on Saturday (January 31st) .
Shayne, a Year 11 schoolboy, was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where he died.
Judge Peter Blair KC, the Recorder of Bristol, told the defendant that he would remain in youth detention accommodation.
"We have found a probable trial date, if this case does require a jury trial, and that is on August 10 and it will take a couple of weeks," the judge told the boy.
"You will need to be involved in the hearing that will take place on April 2.
"Your lawyers by then will have a good proportion of the prosecution evidence to look at which they can talk to you about and we will deal with further timetabling and preparations on that day.
"Co-operate with any appointments which are arranged and we will see you again on April 2."
The judge made a reporting restriction to prohibit publication of details likely to lead to the identification of the defendant.
Lucie Taylor appeared for the prosecution during the hearing, while Alex Daymond represented the defendant.
Shayne's father, Emmanuel Hambakachere, previously paid tribute to his son in a statement released by Wiltshire Police.
"At home he made sure he would do his chores on a daily basis, he always came home before his curfew and always communicated every time he left the house or came back," he said.
"He was very helpful around the house and did whatever was asked of him without complaining. He was also very smart and tidy, he would not leave for school without making his bed.
"Shayne was a brave and bold young man, he was never afraid to speak his mind or to stand up for what he believed in."
Flowers and tributes have been left at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham, where he was a Year 11 pupil.
In a statement, the school said: "The Hardenhuish School community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our Year 11 students, Shayne Hambakachere, following an incident in Chippenham on Saturday.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
"We are taking the time to remember this wonderful young person who had such a promising life ahead and to support our whole community in coming to terms with his loss and this tragic event."
A GoFundMe appeal to raise money for Shayne's funeral and to support his family has reached almost £8,500 in donations.