Three men accused of murdering Carlisle schoolboy Jordan Watson have appeared before Cumbria’s top judge.
Brahnn Finley, 19, Daniel Johnston, also 19, and George Thomson, 18, made their appearances before Judge Paul Batty QC via video link at the city’s crown court this morning (WED).
Finley, Johnston and Thomson are jointly charged with the murder of 14-year-old Jordan. The alleged offence is said to have been committed on or about 15th June in Carlisle.
The preliminary hearing was held in a packed courtroom number three, and lasted 20 minutes.
No pleas were entered by the three defendants, who all have Carlisle addresses. Each spoke only to confirm their names and to say they could hear the proceedings clearly.
The case of Finley, of Furze Street; Johnston, of Petteril Bank Road; and Thomson, of Upperby Road, was adjourned until Tuesday, 1st September. A plea and case management hearing will be held on that date in front of Judge Batty.
In the meantime all three defendants were remanded in custody.
During today’s short hearing, Judge Batty made an appeal in respective of the ongoing investigation into Jordan’s death.
He said: “Anyone who has information should do their public duty and give information to the police. If anyone knowingly gives false information to the police in this matter there will be serious consequences.”
Members of the public have also been urged not to hold demonstrations outside the court building to coincide with future hearings.
These were described as “extremely counter-productive” and could result in the case ultimately being heard outside of Cumbria.