Teenagers in court over killing of schoolboy at packed Tube station
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One by one the schoolchildren filed into the room and each answered "yes miss" as their names were read.
It could have been a scene from a classroom. Instead it was the Old Bailey and a hearing of 20 teenagers accused of murdering a 15-year-old at one of London's busiest railway stations.
Sofyen Belamouadde, a promising footballer, was stabbed nine times in front of commuters at Victoria station in March.
Yesterday 14 teenagers, including one 18-year-old girl, pleaded not guilty to murdering him. Six other boys were also in court, but have yet to enter pleas.
The 20 defendants, all of whom are from south London, have each been charged with three offences.
Victoria Osoteku, Obi Nwokeh, Samuel Roberts, Chris Goncalves, Tayo Ajayi, all 18, together with 13 youths aged 17, one 16-year-old and one 15-year-old, face charges of murder, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm and violent disorder.
For legal reasons, the defendants who are younger than 18 cannot be identified.
Yesterday each defendant spoke only to confirm their name, answering "yes miss", when spoken to by the court clerk, and to enter their pleas. They were watched by more than 30 members of their family and friends in the public gallery. The tiny courtroom was full, with each defendant having their own legal team.
Due to the large number of defendants, there will be three separate trials. Yesterday, the first trial was set for 4 January and will involve Ms Osoteku, Mr Nwokeh, and Mr Roberts, together with four of the 17-year-olds. Yesterday those seven denied the counts. Another 17-year-old has yet to enter a plea.
Two of the 17-year-olds plus Mr Osoteku remain on bail while the rest of the defendants from the first trial were remanded in custody.
The second trial, scheduled to begin on 11 April, will include Mr Goncalves, Mr Ajayi, and a 17-year-old. Those three denied the charges yesterday. Two 17-year-olds and the two boys aged 15 and 16 are yet to enter a plea.
Mr Goncalves, Mr Ajayi, and two 17-year-olds are on bail. The rest of the defendants from this trial were remanded in custody.
The third trial is provisionally set for 13 June. It involves five 17-year-old youths, of whom four denied all the charges against them yesterday. A fifth has yet to enter a plea. They all remain on bail.