Camberwell Green Magistrates Court Photo: Cassandra Wiener
A 16-year-old boy from southeast London accused of murdering teenager Nicholas Pearton appeared at the youth court at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court today. He was remanded in custody for 48 hours and will have the opportunity to make an application for bail at the Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey on 13 May.
He confirmed his name, date of birth and address, but these details cannot be reported because of statutory restrictions under the 1933 Children and Young Person’s Act protecting the identity of youths in criminal proceedings.
John Zani, District Judge of the Inner London Youth Court presided over his first court appearance in the number 6 court of Camberwell Green Magistrates this morning after the youth was charged with murder at the weekend by the Metropolitan Police.
Nicholas Pearton, who was also 16, was stabbed in an incident at Home Park Recreation Centre off Sydenham Road on Wednesday night.
There were reports that he collapsed in a fast food shop where his mother comforted him before he died. Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses.
Five other teenage boys and a 21-year-old man who were also arrested have been bailed until June.
Members of the public were not admitted to today’s proceedings. Under the Children and Young Persons’ Act 1933, accredited members of the media are entitled to report the hearing subject to statutory restrictions. In England and Wales the law defines youths as aged 17 and under.
Where they are charged with serious offences such as murder, their cases are usually transferred to the Crown Court after a first youth or magistrates court appearance. The case of the 16-year-old accused of Nick Pearton’s murder will now be managed by a judge at the Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey.
