Two young men have appeared in court charged with the murder of missing teenager.
Ben Cook, 19, and Louis Michael Hackett, 19, are alleged to have murdered Kieran Williams, 18, on April 18. The pair appeared in the dock together at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning.
Kieran was reported missing from his home on Esplanade West in Sunderland on April 18. Extensive searches were carried out by officers and his body was found in Pallion near the Northern Spire Bridge on Thursday.
Four men and one woman were initially arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and released on bail. On Sunday, Northumbria Police said Cook and Hackett had been charged with Kieran’s murder.
During the two-minute court hearing, the pair were dressed in dark tops and flanked by officers in the dock. Cook, of Fordfield Road, Sunderland, and Hackett, of Fordenbridge Square, Sunderland, spoke to confirm their names, date of births and addresses.
The court clerk told the defendants: “You're both charged on the 18th April 2022 with murdering Kieran Williams. That’s an offence that can only be heard at the crown court."
Paul Anderson, prosecuting, told the court in South Shields how they couldn't apply for bail in the magistrates court and that the case would have to be sent to the crown court. He said: "In the interim, both young men will be remanded in custody."
District Judge Zoe Passfield told Cook and Hackett: "Your case can only be heard at the crown court. Your first hearing at Newcastle Crown Court will be on the 4th July. In the mean time, you will both be remanded in custody."
No pleas were entered during the short hearing.
Read more:
-
Man and woman taken to hospital with 'serious injuries' following Gateshead collision
-
17 amazing pictures of a huge street party in Newcastle that residents will never forget
-
Rail strike dates for June 2022 train strike could be announced this week when RMT meets
-
Andy Carroll's wedding to Billi Mucklow suffers awkward moment with registrar question
