Katie Rough murder: Teen charged with killing appears at crown court
THE teenager charged with murdering seven-year-old Katie Rough has appeared before a judge at crown court.
The 15-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared via video link at Leeds Crown Court.
Katie was found with severe lacerations on a playing field behind a row of houses in York on Monday but died shortly after.
The teenager was arrested after the primary school pupil was found injured and charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
The defendant, who appeared from a different room wearing a purple sweatshirt and black trousers, sat with a solicitor and did not speak during the five-minute hearing.
The solicitor confirmed her name when asked by the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC.
There was no application for bail and she was remanded into youth detention accommodation.
She will appear before the same court for a pre-trial preparation hearing on February 16.
Members of Katie's devastated family attended the hearing and sat on the jury bench to listen to the proceedings.
Judge Collier and the barristers made the decision to not wear gowns and wigs due to the defendant's young age.
Tragically, Katie had been a bridesmaid at her parents’ wedding just a few weeks before her death.
Horrified residents claim Katie’s mother Alison Rough fell to her knees after finding out about her daughter's death and screamed: “No, no, my little girl."
Tracey Ralph, head teacher at Westfield Primary School where Katie was a pupil, paid tribute to the "kind and thoughtful child" who was well-liked by pupils and staff.
Ms Ralph said: "Her death is a terrible loss which has deeply saddened our school community and we send our profound sympathies to her family."
Dozens of bunches of flowers have been left along an alleyway linking the field where Katie was found to Alness Drive, as well as teddies and candles.