Aria Thorpe murder update as teen charged with killing girl, 9, appears in court | UK | News

The teenager accused of murdering nine-year-old Aria Thorpe will appear in court. The 15-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, December 19.

The defendant, who appeared via video link from the youth detention centre, spoke only to confirm his name and did not enter a plea.

During a brief hearing, Judge Peter Blair KC, Recorder of Bristol, set a provisional hearing date of 15 June 2026.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare just before 6.10pm on Monday; where nine-year-old Aria suffered a single stab wound.

The boy was arrested a short time later near Worle.

He was represented by Charley Pattison at Bristol Crown Court, while Ray Tully KC appeared for the prosecution.

His father was among those attending the public gallery.

The young man is next expected to appear in court on March 16, 2026.