A teenager accused of the murder of Holly Newton in a stabbing incident in a town centre, made his first crown court appearance in the case today (Wednesday February 1).

Although the defendant, who appeared in the dock at Newcastle Crown Court, did not put in a plea in the case, a provisional trial date was set for July, to run up to a fortnight.

The defendant is alleged to have killed the 15-year-old school girl in Hexham, last Friday (January 27).

Holly was found seriously injured in the Priestpopple area of the Northumberland market town, shortly after 5.10pm.

Read more: Holly Newton: Boy in court charged with murder after Hexham stabbing

Despite the medical attention received both at the scene and in hospital later, the death of Holly, from Haltwhistle, also in Northumberland, was confirmed later that night.

A 16-year-old boy, who also suffered injuries consistent with a bladed article, was also taken to hospital, where he was later said to remain in a stable condition.

Police arrested the 16-year-old defendant on suspicion of assault, which was later elevated to a charge of murder.

He also stands accused of attempted murder, of the injured boy, and possessing an offensive weapon.

Read more: Boy to appear in court charged with murder of Hexham teen Holly Newton

During today’s short hearing, before the Recorder of Newcastle, Judge Paul Sloan, an order prohibiting the identification of the accused or the injured boy in any media reports was repeated.

The same restrictions had already been put in place at Monday’s hearing before Newcastle magistrates.

Defence counsel Nigel Edwards said a request has been made not to put the charges to the accused, as there may be mental health issues which need to be addressed.

“It’s just to make all necessary inquiries in these circumstances.”

He said a psychiatrist has been identified to carry out a medical assessment of the defendant and a psychologist would also be required to produce a report.

Mr Edwards said there would be no application for bail for his client, who has been on remand in youth detention since he was charged.

Read next:

               Holly Newton: Family issue heartfelt tribute after Hexham stabbing

               Police name girl, 15, who died in Hexham stabbing as Holly Newton

               Vigil to be held in Hexham in memory of Holly Newton of Haltwhistle

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David Brooke KC, prosecuting, said the custody time limit to detain the defendant runs out on July 31.

Judge Sloan, therefore, agreed with counsel for a fixed listing for trial in advance of that, and a start date of Wednesday July 13 was earmarked, with a time estimate of up to ten days.

A plea hearing was fixed for Monday February 27 at the court, which the defendant will be allowed to appear at by video link from the detention centre where he is detained on remand.