Teenager, 17, appears in court accused over Hambledon murder

The 17-year-old boy appeared at Salisbury Crown Court via videolink accused over the death of 50-year-old Joanna Thompson.

Her body was found at an address in Vicarage Lane, Hambledon, on July 1 last year.

In court the boy spoke only to confirm his identity.

A two-week trial is due to take place from October 2.

The boy will appear at Winchester Crown Court on June 29.

Addressing the boy, judge Keith Cutler OBE said: ‘That’s it as far as this first hearing is concerned.

‘There will be further hearings but hopefully you will go back to where you came from this morning.’

Judge Cutler remanded the boy in custody. He was previously detained under the Mental Health Act.

No plea was entered and the charge was not put to the teenager at the brief hearing.