A teenager appeared in court yesterday to deny the manslaughter of a North-East grandfather in an alleged firework attack.
Arthur Lonsdale, 52, died in Sunderland Royal Hospital on October 30, last year, two days after a firework - known as a Little Brother - was pushed through his door in Westerham Close, Witherwack, in the city.
The 16-year-old accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter during a short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.
No trial date was set and the case will be back before the court next Friday for a date to be listed.
The youth was granted conditional bail so must abide by an electronically-tagged curfew, have no contact with prosecution witnesses, and must not enter Sunderland city centre except by prior appointment with his solicitor or other official. He must also live at an undisclosed address.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article