Three teenagers charged with the murder of 16-year-old Chloe Watson Dransfield have entered not guilty pleas at Leeds Crown Court, days before her funeral. A trial date has been set
Three teenagers have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Chloe Watson Dransfield, just days ahead of her funeral.
Chloe, 16, from Gomersal, tragically lost her life after being discovered with stab wounds on Kennerleigh Avenue, Austhorpe around 6am on Saturday, March 28.
Kayla Smith, 18, of Kennerleigh Avenue, Archie Rycroft, 19, of Middleton Park Road, and a 17-year-old lad who cannot be identified due to legal restrictions, were charged with murder earlier this year and have previously appeared at both Magistrates’ and Crown courts in Leeds.
The trio reappeared at Leeds Crown Court on Friday (May 1), where they were asked to enter pleas to the murder charge. All three pleaded not guilty and a trial date was set for November 10 this year. The trial is anticipated to last up to three weeks.
During the brief hearing, disturbances could be heard emanating from the public gallery and the court was emptied after Recorder of Leeds Judge Guy Kearl KC issued warnings. He stated: “I’m incredibly reluctant to ask people to vacate the court, but it is a court of law and it is extremely important that people behave appropriately.
“If I think you are not able to do that, I will have the court cleared of people who are not able to behave themselves.” The judge then adjourned while the courtroom was emptied before the hearing resumed. A further case management hearing will be scheduled at a later date, reports Leeds Live.
Chloe’s family previously announced her funeral will take place at Dewsbury Crematorium on Tuesday, May 5. A horse-drawn carriage will depart from Chloe’s house at 10am, with the service commencing at 11.15am. The family stated: “We invite all who loved Chloe to join us and pay respects.”
Following her heartbreaking death, Chloe’s family expressed their grief in various statements: “My beautiful princess Chloe. I cannot put into words how I feel that you are not here with me. You are my life, my world, my best friend and I know that I am yours. I cannot live without you – I need you.
“You are stunning, confident, loyal, honest and my family-oriented princess. When you walk into any room it lights up with your bubbly personality. There is so much I could say. There’s a big hole in my heart that can never be filled.
“Your two sisters and big brother will always love and miss you to infinity. You will always and forever be in our hearts. Love Mu, Connor, Courtney and Cienna. Our family is utterly devastated by the loss of Chloe. We miss every single thing about her. She was beautiful, full of joy, and had a wonderfully cheeky personality.
“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. We will miss her forever, she will never be forgotten. Love you always and forever Dad, Sacha, Reuben, Mia, Amelia, Grandma, Grandad and Uncle Jordan.”