THE trial of a boy and a girl accused of the murder of Birchwood teenager Brianna Ghey is set to proceed as planned next week.

On February 11, the 16-year-old transgender schoolgirl was found on a path at Culcheth Linear Park having sustained multiple stab wounds, and she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Following the death of the Birchwood High School pupil, two suspects, a 16-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, were arrested.

The pair, who cannot be named or identified due to legal reasons, were later charged with her murder.

In July, the two teenagers appeared before Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, where one of the defendants pleaded not guilty to the murder of Brianna Ghey.

The second defendant also entered a not guilty plea at a separate hearing before Manchester Crown Square Crown Court in October.

A trial date has already been set for next Monday, November 27, at Manchester Crown Square, and this was confirmed at a pre-trial hearing before the same court today, Monday.

The girl, from Warrington, and the boy, from Leigh, are both currently held in secure accommodation, and they both attended today’s hearing via video link.

The hearing mainly heard legal and procedural arguments, ensuring the trial can proceed as planned on Monday, and discussions over reporting restrictions.

There is a firm aim for the trial to have been concluded before Christmas.

Presiding over the hearing, justice Amanda Yip said: “Today is primarily a ground rules hearing. It is also the final hearing before the trial starts on Monday.

“I am really keen today to do all we need to in advance of the trial.”

At the hearing in July, justice Yip said: “It is very important that this trial, when it happens, proceeds fairly.

“This is important for the defendants, but also for Brianna’s family, that a fair trial happens.

“It is a case where a lot of emotions will run high, which is very understandable.

“There has been a lot of publicity about this case already. We are going to make sure the case proceeds in a calm manner in court and is entirely fair for everyone.

“We have to ensure when the jury comes to trial, they do so where they are able to judge just on the evidence.

“It is really important to protect that for everyone concerned with the case.”

Cheshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service remind everyone that criminal proceedings against both defendants are active, and that they have the right to a fair trial.

It is extremely important that there should be no commenting or sharing of information or speculation which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.