Yahoo News Boy, 17, in court charged with murder of Ellie Gould
A teenage boy has appeared in court charged with the murder of 17-year-old Ellie Gould.
The 17-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared via videolink at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
He was accompanied by his solicitor at Melksham Police Station and spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth and nationality.
The boy is charged with murdering Ellie, whose full name Eleanor Rose Gould was given in court, in Calne on May 3.
District Judge Peter Greenfield told the boy: “I am going to send your case for trial by jury at Bristol Crown Court.
“I am going to remand you in custody to appear before a judge in Bristol on May 9 at 10am.”
Keith Ballinger appeared for the prosecution, while Jonathon Lewis represented the defendant during the short hearing.
The 17-year-old was charged with Ellie’s murder by Wiltshire Police on Monday evening.
Ellie was pronounced dead after emergency services were called to a house in Springfield Drive at 3.15pm on Friday.
On Sunday, Wiltshire Police released a picture of the teenager that had been chosen by her family, who have asked for privacy.
In a statement, Hardenhuish School said it was “shocked and saddened” by her death.
“Ellie was a talented, popular and much-loved member of our school community who will be dearly missed,” the school said.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Ellie’s family at this devastating time.”
Kier Pritchard, the chief constable of Wiltshire Police, joined the school’s senior team there on Sunday afternoon.
He said that student, parents and teachers had been able to come together following the “awful news”.
“Any loss of any life is traumatic but when a young person with their whole life ahead is taken so suddenly it is desperately sad for all family, friends and those who supported her in life,” he tweeted.
“There are professional on hand to guide people through this.”
