Teenage boy accused of Yousef Makki murder to appear in court

A 17-year-old boy will appear at Manchester Crown Court court charged with the murder of a grammar school pupil who was stabbed to death.

Yousef Makki, 17, who dreamed of becoming a heart surgeon, was attacked on Saturday in Hale Barns.

On Wednesday, the defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Manchester Youth Court charged with Yousef's murder and possession of a lock knife.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court on today.

The teenager, whose family members were at the front of the small courtroom, spoke to give his name and date of birth. He nodded as he was told he would be remanded.

Danielle Allanson, prosecuting, said the youth court had no discretion to deal with the case so it must be sent to the Crown and no application for bail could be made until then.

Another 17-year-old boy, who also cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in the same court on Wednesday afternoon charged with possession of a knife and assisting an offender by disposing of the weapon.

He smiled to family members who sat in court as he entered the dock.

Magistrates granted him bail until March 28, when he will appear at Manchester Youth Court again.

Chairwoman of the bench Joyce Fletcher outlined bail conditions including a curfew between 7pm and 7am. She said he must not apply for any international travel documents and the court heard he had surrendered his passport.