Teenager, 14, appears in court accused of murdering 12-year-old schoolboy

A 14-year-old boy appeared in court this afternoon accused of murdering a 12-year-old schoolboy who was found stabbed to death.  

The teenager is alleged to have murdered Roberts Buncis who was found dead on common land at Fishtoft, near the town of Boston, Lincolnshire on the morning of Saturday, December 12.

The boy attended today’s hearing at Lincoln Crown Court remotely by video link from the secure accommodation unit where he is being held on remand.

He wore a white tee-shirt with the word Adidas on the front as he sat on a settee next to his defence barrister Tara McCarthy. Both of them wore protective visors.

The boy spoke only to confirm his identity during the 14 minute hearing.

No charge was put to him and the matter was adjourned for a further case management hearing to be held on 6 April.

Judge John Pini QC remanded the defendant to the secure accommodation unit. The judge previously set down a trial date to commence on 21 June. The hearing is expected to last two weeks.

An order has been imposed under section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act of 1999 preventing publication of the identity of the accused boy.

An inquest opening was told that Roberts died as a result of stab wounds to his neck, chest and abdomen.

Roberts, who died just two days before his 13th birthday, was a student at Haven High School in Boston.

He lived with his dad Edgars less than a mile from where his body was found. 

In a statement issued through Lincolnshire Police in December, he said: ‘I am comforted by the community support that has been shown and I understand that friends want to show their support by getting together on Saturday.

‘I will not be attending, I will remember Roberts in private and celebrate his life at his funeral.

‘Please remember Roberts with flowers and a smile. Be safe and please do not do anything stupid. I want you to continue with your lives and do the things that Roberts can no longer do.

‘I do not want any other family to go through what I have, please do not make me more sad.’

The grieving father added: ‘Do not judge before we know the truth, let the police do their investigation.

‘I do not judge the family of the boy involved, I am not God, for this we have court.’

Lincolnshire Police said it was aware of social media posts that have been circulated which are not representative of the victim’s father’s views.

Chief Inspector James Trafford said: ‘Our hearts go out to Roberts’s loved ones and everyone who knew him.

‘While we understand that the community is grieving the loss of Roberts we would like to strongly remind people that we are in a pandemic and Tier 3 Covid restrictions apply.

‘The safest way for those who want to pay their respects to Roberts is to do so in private while following the rules. Under Tier 3 rules we are unable to gather in outdoor settings in groups of more than six.’

Cllr Paul Skinner, leader of Boston Borough Council, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family at this time. The death of Roberts has had a huge impact on the community. People will want to pay their respects to Roberts, that is only natural but please respect the family wishes.

‘The best way to keep safe is to pay your respects in the privacy of your own home.’

The 14-year-old boy appeared before the Recorder of Lincoln, Judge John Pini QC, on Monday.

The youth, who cannot be named because of his age, will next appear in court on January 11.