Chloe Watson Dransfield murder accused at Leeds crown – everything said in court

Chloe was found injured in a Leeds street last weekend

A trial date has been set in a case where three teenagers are accused of murdering Chloe Watson Dransfield.

Chloe, 16, from Gomersal, died after being found with stab wounds in Kennerleigh Avenue, Austhorpe at around 6am on Saturday, March 28.

Kayla Smith, 18, of Kennerleigh Avenue, Archie Rycroft, 19, of Middleton Park Road, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged with murder earlier this week and appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

On Thursday (April 2), they made their first appearance at Leeds Crown Court before Recorder of Leeds His Honour Judge Guy Kearl KC, who identified a trial date for later this year.

Ms Smith, who appeared over a video link from HMP New Hall, Mr Rycroft, who appeared from HMP Doncaster and the teenager, who also appeared from his custody location, spoke only to confirm their addresses and dates of birth.

The trial date was set out for November 10, with it being said that is the earliest a trial of this length could take place. The judge said: “I think it could be two weeks plus. Given this is likely to be a High Judge case…”

A plea, trial and preparation hearing was set for May 1 this year, with the judge adding: “That is the hearing at which the trial timetable will be set out. That is those matters leading towards the trial to make sure everything is ready for the trial when that date arrives.”

He remanded the three teenagers into custody and told them: “You will next come back before this court on the first of May. At the moment, each of you will remain in custody. That will conclude your hearing for today.” You can read more from the hearing here.

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