A 16-year-old boy has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of murdering nine-year-old Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare. The teenage defendant, whose identity is protected due to his age, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, March 27.
Aria was found deceased at her home in the Mead Vale area of North Somerset on December 15, after police responded to an emergency call at 6:09 p.m. The Avon Coroner’s Court previously confirmed that she died from a single stab wound to the chest.
During the brief hearing, the charge was formally read, and the defendant responded with a “not guilty” plea. Prosecutor Ray Tully KC informed the court that the trial is scheduled to begin on June 15 and is expected to last approximately two weeks. Defense counsel Andrew Langdon KC represented the accused during the 20-minute session.
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Judge Martin Picton reiterated that reporting restrictions would remain in place to protect the identity of the teenager.
In the wake of the tragedy, Aria’s father, Tom Thorpe, paid tribute to his daughter, describing her as a “brave, kind-hearted, and beautiful innocent soul.” Relatives on her mother’s side remembered Aria as “happy-go-lucky, full of light and joy,” emphasizing the profound loss felt by the family and community.
The teenager remains in custody pending his trial at Bristol Crown Court.