The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Man in Old Bailey dock over Rikki murder
The man accused of murdering schoolboy Rikki Neave a quarter of a century ago has appeared at the Old Bailey.
James Watson (38)appeared at The Old Bailey in London on Friday for a preliminary hearing - but not before a first hearing at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Watson would have been 13 at the time six-year-old Rikki died in November 1994.
The boy’s body was found naked in woods just a short walk from his home in Redmile Walk, Welland, Peterborough.
He had been strangled. Watson, of no fixed abode, did not enter a plea to the charge at either of the two court hearings, but a trial date has been set for October 5 this year.
At the Old Bailey, Watson appeared via a video link from Bedford jail for a hearing before Mr Justice Edis.
The senior judge said the case would be heard at a central London crown court, probably the Old Bailey, before a High Court Judge.
A plea and case management hearing will take place on May 1, with a further hearing on June 5.
Watson was remanded in custody until the next hearing.
The Peterborough magistrates’ hearing lasted just 105 seconds, with Watson, who wore a dark green jumper and checked shirt, speaking only to confirm his name and his date of birth.
The clerk of the court said it is alleged Watson killed Rikki at some point between November 28 and November 29 1994.
The court was filled with police officers who worked on the case, and the press bench was filled with journalists.
A court artist was also present.