Trial date set for man accused of murdering Peterborough schoolboy Rikki Neave after Old Bailey appearance

On Monday, James Watson, 38, was charged with the murder of Rikki in Welland at some point between November 28 and November 29 1994.

Rikki disappeared after leaving home to walk to school at about 9am on November 28 1994. His naked body was found the following day in woodland

a few minutes’ walk from his home in Redmile Walk. He had been strangled and his uniform was dumped in a nearby bin.

The defendant, of no fixed address, would have been 13 years old at the time of Rikki’s death.

On Friday, Watson appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Bedford jail for a hearing before Mr Justice Edis.

The senior judge said the case would be heard at a central London crown court, probably the Old Bailey.

He set a trial before a High Court Judge to start on October 5.

A plea and case management hearing will take place on May 1, with a further hearing on June 5.

The defendant, who wore a grey sweater, spoke only to confirm his identity and was remanded into custody.