16-Year-Old Pleads Not Guilty
A 16-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty to the murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. The teenager, whose identity is protected due to his age, faces charges over the tragic stabbing on 15 December last year.
Heartbreaking Details of the Tragedy
Aria was found dead at her home in the Mead Vale area, with police arriving at 6:09pm to a grim scene. A coroner later revealed she died from a single stab wound to her chest, sparking shock and sorrow across the community.
Trial Set and Family Pays Tribute
At Bristol Crown Court on 27 March, the accused spoke only to enter his not guilty plea. The trial is set for 15 June and is expected to last two weeks, according to prosecutor Ray Tully KC.
Aria’s father, Tom Thorpe, remembered her as a “brave, kind-hearted and beautiful innocent soul.” Her mother’s side of the family described Aria as “the most beautiful little soul – happy-go-lucky, full of light and joy.”
Ongoing Restrictions and Custody
The defendant was arrested just ten minutes after Aria’s death, in nearby Worle at 6:19pm. Judge Martin Picton confirmed that the ban on publishing the boy’s identity will remain in place and that he will stay in custody until the trial begins.
