Peterborough man appears in court charged with murdering Rikki Neave

A man has appeared in court charged with murdering Peterborough school boy Rikki Neave in 1994.
By Stephen Briggs
Published 20th Feb 2020, 10:32 BST
Updated 20th Feb 2020, 12:45 BST
Rikki NeaveRikki Neave
Rikki Neave

James Watson (38) of no fixed abode spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth at a short hearing at Peterborough Magistrates' Court this morning (Thursday.)

Rikki was six years old when his naked body was found in woodland close to his home on the Welland estate on Tuesday, November 29 1994. He had been strangled to death.

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Watson, who was charged with murder on Monday, wore a green jumper and blue and white checked shirt for the hearing, and was represented by Sally Hobson.

Court artist Julia Quenzler's picture of Watson in court. Picture: Julia QuenzlerCourt artist Julia Quenzler's picture of Watson in court. Picture: Julia Quenzler
Court artist Julia Quenzler's picture of Watson in court. Picture: Julia Quenzler

The public gallery was filled with police officers who worked on the investigation, while there was also a large number of journalists sitting on the press bench in Court Room Two.

The hearing lasted just one minute and 45 seconds.

He was remanded into custody by magistrate Stephen Hanson until the next hearing, which will take place at The Old Bailey tomorrow