Teenager to face trial over murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe

A teenager charged with the murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe will stand trial in June next year.

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 15 June 2026.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Avon and Somerset Police were 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.

His father was among those attending in the public gallery.

The teenager is next expected to appear in court on 16 March.

(c) Sky News 2025: Teenager to face trial over murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe