A MAN accused of murdering a teenage girl as she lay asleep on a sofa made his first crown court appearance yesterday.
Kimberley Bage, 16, was repeatedly stabbed to death. Her mother, Paula Hanley, 31, discovered her body on the living room floor in Troutpool Close, Hartlepool, on April 15.
Paul Andrew Knappett, 29, of Wentworth Grove, Hartlepool, appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday charged with Kimberley's murder.
Flanked by two security guards in the dock, he spoke only to confirm his name.
No application for bail was made by Mr Knappett's barrister, Paul Cleasby.
The case was adjourned for a plea and directions hearing to take place, at a date yet to be fixed, at the end of August or early September.
A trial date was fixed for December 5 at the same court.
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