Two 12-year-old boys in court on Wolverhampton murder charges

• By Josh Sandiford
• BBC News, West Midlands

Two boys aged 12, charged with the murder of a teenager, have appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Shawn Seesahai, 19, was stabbed on playing fields near a school in East Park in the city on 13 November.

The youngsters appeared before Judge Michael Chambers KC and spoke only to confirm their names and ages in the short hearing.

The pair, whose names cannot be reported for legal reasons, were also charged with possession of a machete.

“This is a very short hearing to deal with some matters to ensure the case goes smoothly,” Judge Chambers said.

In a previous appearance at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday, the boys’ defense team said they would both deny the charges against them.

On Monday, lawyers said again it was likely the case would go to a trial and be heard in front of a jury.

A plea and trial preparation hearing will be heard on January 5 with a trial date set for April 29 and due to last up to three weeks.

The pair were remanded into youth detention.

In a previous tribute issued through the police, Mr Seesahai’s mother described her son as a “courageous, compassionate and confident young soul”.

“We will always have him in our hearts.”