Teenagers deny murdering Chloe Watson Dransfield in Leeds-street knife attack
Three teenagers enter not-guilty pleas in court.
Three teenagers will stand trial after denying the murder of Chloe Watson Dransfield in Leeds.
The 16-year-old was stabbed to death in the street in March.
Kayla Smith, 18, Archie Rycroft, 19 and a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Leeds Crown Court this morning.
Smith, Kennerleigh Avenue, Leeds, appeared via video link from HMP New Hall. Rycroft, of Middleton Park Road, Leeds, appeared in person, along with the 17-year-old.
All three were arraigned and officially entered not-guilty pleas to a count of murder.
The court then had to be cleared briefly following a disturbance in the pubic gallery, before the hearing resumed.
They will now stand trial on November 10 and it is expected to last three weeks. All three were remanded back into custody.
Chloe, from Gomersal, died in hospital following the violent incident on Kennerleigh Avenue at about 6am on March 28.
She was killed by a stab wound to her chest, a coroner said after an inquest into her death was opened last month.
The inquest was adjourned to a date to be confirmed, due to the pending legal action against the three teenage suspects.
Following Chloe’s death, her father and other family members paid tribute, saying they were “utterly devastated” and that she would “never be forgotten”.
“We miss every single thing about her. She was beautiful, full of joy, and had a wonderfully cheeky personality,” they said.
“She embraced life with such happiness, and she had her whole future ahead of her. Chloe was loved by everyone who knew her, and the absence she leaves behind is immeasurable.”
In a separate tribute, Chloe’s mother said she “cannot put into words” the loss of her “beautiful princess”.
“You are my life, my world, my best friend and I know that I am yours. I cannot live without you – I need you.”
Members of the public are reminded that this is a live investigation and are asked to refrain from making comments or suggestions which may jeopardise court proceedings.