Teenager charged with murder of nine-year-old girl set to face trial
The defendant appeared via video link from youth detention accommodation
A teenager charged with the murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe is set to face trial.
The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
The defendant, who appeared via video link from youth detention accommodation, spoke only to confirm his name.
During a brief hearing, Judge Peter Blair KC, the Recorder of Bristol, set a provisional trial date for June 15 2026.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.
Avon and Somerset Police was called to Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare just before 6.10pm on Monday, where nine-year-old Aria had suffered a single stab wound.
The boy was arrested in nearby Worle a short time later.
At Bristol Crown Court he was represented by Charley Pattison, while Ray Tully KC appeared for the prosecution.
His father was among those attending in the public gallery.
The teenager is next expected to appear in court on March 16.