Teenagers in court over death of boy near town cinema
PAIR DENY MURDERING 17-YEAR-OLD BENJAMIN
TWO teenagers accused of killing a boy outside a Derbyshire cinema have appeared in court.
The pair, who are both 17, have been charged with murdering schoolboy Benjamin Orton, who was stabbed multiple times near to the Odeon, in Swadlincote on June 12.
Both boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Derby Crown Court via video link from HMP Werrington on Monday.
They deny murdering the 17-yearold, as well as the attempted murder of a 20-year-old man who was also injured in the incident at The Pipeworks, off Coppice Side.
One of the accused teenagers also denied assisting an offender by allegedly disposing of a knife, clothing and a mobile phone.
A 16-year-old also charged with murder and attempted murder was due to appear alongside the teenagers at a pre-trial review but was unable to be produced from where he has been detained.
The three suspects cannot be named for legal reasons.
The two who have made their pleas are now set to stand trial at Derby Crown Court on November 16.
Benjamin Orton, 17, died from “multiple stab wounds”, which punctured his heart and right lung, an inquest has heard.
Emergency services tried to save Benjamin, of Arthur Street, Castle Gresley, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His mum, Amanda Taylor-Orton, has previously said: “Benjamin was my beautiful, beautiful boy. He was so loving, intelligent, and sweet, but really funny and cheeky too.
“I always thought he could have been a comedian. Benjamin was very popular and I’ve loved hearing stories from his friends of how they could talk to him about anything. He was a good listener and he was loved so much.”