Trial date set for teen accused of killing army veteran, 82

A TRIAL date has been set for a teenager who has been charged with killing a dance-loving, 82-year-old, army veteran at Derby bus station.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his age, appeared at Derby Crown Court from bail for the short hearing.

With his father there in the public gallery to support him, the teen spoke only to confirm his name when asked by the court clerk.

Judge Jonathan Bennett set a trial date to June 20, 2022, with defence barrister James Horne telling the court it would likely last five days.

The teenager was not asked to enter any plea to a single charge of the manslaughter of pensioner Dennis Clarke and was handed conditional bail to live and sleep at one of two Derby addresses.

He will next appear at the same court next month where Mr Horne said his client would be expected to enter his plea.

Officers were called to reports of an alleged assault at Derby Bus

Station, in the Morledge, at around 4.30pm on Thursday, May 6.

Mr Clarke suffered injuries and was taken to hospital following the incident and died nine days later.

Following his death, Mr Clarke’s family paid tribute to the “kind and loving” pensioner.

His great-nephew, Ricky Davey, said his relative was a keen dancer who had been on a shopping trip on the day of the alleged attack, bringing with him his favourite dancing shoes to be altered.

He described Mr Clarke as his “second dad” due to the special bond the pair had between them.

He also revealed how Mr Clarke, who lived in Derby, spent many years in the British Army.

“Dennis will be remembered for his kindness and love towards people, his crazy dance moves on the dance floor and his yodelling,” he said.

No further action is being taken against two other teenage boys who were arrested at the time in connection with the same incident.