A teenager today (Wed Jan 11) denied a charge of murder over the alleged killing of Tomasz Oleszak in a stabbing incident near an urban country park in October.

The now 15-year-old defendant appeared alongside his mother in the dock at Newcastle Crown Court, having been produced from custody for today’s hearing.

Charges were not put to him at a previous hearing in the case while medical reports were prepared as to his fitness to plead.

But at the start of today’s hearing, prosecutor Mark McKone KC said he could now be arraigned.

Read more: LIVE: Police cordon off Whitehills Nature Park in Gateshead

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denied the charge of murder of Tomasz and a second charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent on another youth, on October 3.

But he admitted a third charge that without good reason or lawful authority having an article with a blade or point, namely a knife, in a public place, at Whitehills Nature Park, Springwell Estate, Gateshead, also on October 3.

Tomasz died from the injuries suffered in the alleged attack in hospital early the following morning, on October 4.

The defendant, who was aged 14 at the time, was arrested on suspicion of murder and charged later that week, appearing before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, on October 7.

He was remanded into the care of the local authority and the case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court where he made his third appearance today (Wednesday January 11), this time before Judge Penny Moreland.

Although the charges were not put at his previous hearings, a trial date was provisionally agreed between all parties to start on Tuesday March 21, next year, with up to ten days set aside for the hearing.

Read more: Gateshead murder investigation: Police briefing after teenager dies

Mr McKone told today's hearing the case was now ready for trial.

Addressing the defendant, Judge Moreland said: “Everything is in order and your trial remains on March 21.

“You will remain in custody until that date.”

The defendant has been in youth detention accommodation overseen by the local authority, since he was charged with the offences.

Read next:

              Boy, 14, arrested on suspicion of murder after teenager dies in Gateshead

              Tomasz Oleszak murder: Youth accused of killing Gateshead boy doesn't plead

              Young Gateshead footballers pay tribute to Tomasz Oleszak

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The death of Tomasz, a well-liked teenager among school friends at Gateshead’s Cardinal Hume Catholic School and teammates at Gateshead Cleveland Hall CA FC, sparked an out pouring of grief.

A candlelit vigil was staged at Springwell Community Association, in Gateshead, days after his death, while a special mass was staged in his memory, attended by members of his family, taken by Father Paul Joseph Zielinski, at St Oswald’s Church, Wrekenton, Gateshead.

Members of his youth football club, Gateshead Cleveland Hall CA, also staged a memorial match in honour of Tomasz at Gateshead Stadium, in November, attended by a crowd of more than 700, raising funds for his family.