Holly Newton: Murder accused appears in court after stabbing in Hexham

Although the 16-year-old made his second appearance at Newcastle Crown Court in the case, the issue of his fitness to plead has yet to be confirmed.

The defendant, who appeared by video link from a youth detention facility, is accused of the murder of Holly, the attempted murder of a male teenager and possessing an offensive weapon, arising from an incident in Hexham, on Friday, January 27.

Holly was found seriously injured in the Priestpopple area shortly after 5.10pm.

Despite the medical attention administered both at the scene and in hospital later, the death of the 15-year-old, from Haltwhistle, was confirmed later that night.

A 16-year-old boy, who also suffered injuries consistent with a bladed article, was also taken to hospital, where he was later said to remain in a stable condition.

Police arrested the defendant on suspicion of assault, which was later upgraded to a charge of murder.

During Monday, February 27's scheduled plea hearing, before the Recorder of Newcastle, Judge Paul Sloan, the court was told the defendant’s fitness to plead remains a live issue.

Judge Sloan ordered the defence to submit medical reports, including both psychiatric and psychological assessments, by April 11.

If they question his fitness to plead, a further hearing will be staged on May 12 to discuss the issue, but if they do not, then a further case management hearing, at which the charges are likely to be put, will take place on April 21.

A trial has already been fixed to start at the court, if required, on July 13, with a two-week time estimate.

The custody time limit to detain the defendant runs out on July 31.

Judge Sloan remanded the defendant to remain in youth detention until the next hearing on either April 21 or May 12.

Since Holly’s death, a packed vigil has been staged by friends and family members in Hexham, where her funeral took place, at Hexham Abbey, on February 17.