Premier League football scout's son charged with two murders in Brentwood, Essex
The son of a scout at Arsenal Football Club has appeared in court charged with the murders of two 16-year-old boys.
Frankie Watson, 20, is accused of killing Charlie Preston and Frankie Gater in the early hours of October 24. The pair were found stabbed in Brentwood in Essex.
Watson, of Baker Street, Orsett, Essex, was not asked to enter pleas when he appeared before a judge at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday.
He is also charged with the attempted murder of a third boy, who cannot be named due to reporting restrictions, and with possession of an offensive weapon.
Labourer Watson, who was on the books of Southend United Football Club when he was younger, replied: "Yes judge," when asked if he could hear what was said during the hearing. He was remanded in custody.
His father, Conan Watson, is the head scout for 15 to 16-year-olds at Arsenal.
The next hearing is due to take place on March 29, with a provisional trial date of August 22 next year with a time estimate of three weeks.