Trial Date Set For Man Accused Of Murdering Teenager In Motorbike Crash

A provisional trial date has been set for a 34-year-old man accused of murdering a teenager who died in a motorbike crash.

Matthew Buckworth, of Charlton’s Garth, Guisborough, Cleveland, did not enter pleas during the hearing at Teesside Crown Court.

He is accused of murdering Sonny Stephenson, 17, in an incident in Bolckow Street, Guisborough, in August.

Buckworth appeared via a videolink from Durham Prison and was told a provisional trial date had been set for May 21.

He will be back before the court to enter a plea on December 18.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton explained to members of Sonny’s family in the public gallery that the court system takes time, saying: “I want to do right by all sides.”