A teenage girl has pleaded not guilty to the murder of seven-year-old Katie Rough.
The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared via video link at Leeds crown court to deny murdering the schoolgirl on 9 January this year.
Dressed in a purple blouse, black trousers and glasses, the teenager sat in a side room of the court during the 30- minute hearing.
She remained silent throughout the hearing and indicated her plea in writing after being given a copy of the indictment outlining the charge against her. Her defence solicitor, Colin Byrne, then confirmed a not guilty plea.
The recorder of Leeds, Peter Collier QC, adjourned the case for a further hearing on 4 April and set a trial, due to last two to three weeks, to begin on 3 July.
On Monday, hundreds of mourners donned rainbow-coloured accessories to celebrate Katie’s life at her funeral in York Minster.
