Dad’s grief as teen is in dock accused of his boy’s murder
A TEENAGER appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of 15-year-old Alex Rodda.
Matthew Mason, 18, stared straight ahead and kept his arms by his side as he spoke only to confirm his name and address and that he understood the charges.
Mason, of Ollerton, Cheshire, is accused of murdering Alex last Thursday and being in possession of a bladed article in a public place in Newport, Shropshire.
The schoolboy’s body was discovered in woodland in Ashley, near the village of Hale, South Cheshire, magistrates in Crewe were told in the 25-minute hearing.
There was no application for bail and Mason was remanded in custody until tomorrow, when he will appear at Chester Crown Court.
Before the hearing, Alex’s Adam paid tribute to his son.
He posted: “RIP my perfect and beautiful boy. I love you more than life itself.”
Mr Rodda, landlord of the Bridge Inn in Audlem, near Crewe, thanked his customers for their support in “what is undoubtedly the most horrendous time of my life”.
A family statement said: “Alex was a very loving, caring, kind, loyal and, most of all, trusting young boy. He loved life and made friends wherever he went. He will be sorely missed.”
A note left among floral tributes read: “Rest in peace gorgeous boy.”
Earlier, mother Lisa, 50, said: “Everybody loved Alex. He was caring and kind. Alex was my beautfather iful son but he was naive. He was only 15 and that made him vulnerable. I am heartbroken.”
One neighbour added: “He was always messing around, dressing up in other people’s clothes. He’d put anything on to make people laugh. I cannot believe this has happened. Alex would not hurt anybody.”
Tributes also came from Holmes Chapel comprehensive school, where Alex was a Year 11 pupil.
Headteacher Denis Oliver said: “Alex will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him within our close-knit school family. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family and friends.”