Teens accused of sixth-former's murder await trial

Four teenagers charged with murder after a sixth-former was stabbed near a bus station are set to go on trial in the summer.

Thomas Taylor, 17, a pupil at Bedford Academy, was attacked shortly before 18:00 GMT on Wednesday 8 January as he walked in Greenhill Street, Bedford, police have said.

Defendants Ahmed Adam and Bennett Ndenkeh, both 18, and two boys aged 16 and 17, appeared via video link at a preliminary hearing in Luton Crown Court on Wednesday.

Judge Andrew Hatton set a provisional trial date of 30 June and said the case would next be considered at a hearing on 14 February.

Mr Adam, of Mardale Close, Kempston, Bedford, Mr Ndenkeh, of Midland Road, Bedford, and the two younger teenage defendants, have all been remanded either in custody or in secure accommodation pending further hearings.

A judge has made an order barring the identities of the two youngest defendants being published by media outlets.

The four defendants spoke only to confirm their identities - none entered pleas.

Barrister Martin Mulgrew, prosecuting, indicated that jurors could be asked to consider CCTV and witness evidence at a trial.

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