Boys in court over 'murder of schoolboy Jahziah Coke'

Jahziah Coke, 13, died in Oldbury in August

Two teenagers accused of murdering a schoolboy in the Black Country will face trial next year. The boys - who cannot be identified due to legal reasons because of their age - are accused of murdering 13-year-old Jahziah Coke in Oldbury on August 29.

The duo entered not guilty pleas to the single count of murder when they appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday (October 1). They appeared in court alongside a man in his 40s, who also cannot be named due to legal reasons.

He pleaded not guilty to a charge of assisting an offender between August 29 and September 1. They will all face a trial early next year, a judge told them.

READ MORE: KSI to replace Bruno Tonioli on ITV Britain's Got Talent 2024

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.

All three defendants were remanded into custody. They will next appear in court for a pre-trial review on December 16.

Judge Michael Chambers KC said: "Your cases are adjourned for trial on a date to be fixed in the early new year. The next hearing will be on December 16."

The adult defendant was remanded to an unnamed prison, while both boys were remanded to secure youth detention accommodation. A judge previously said the trial is likely to be heard by a High Court judge.

Emergency services found Jahziah with 'life-threatening injuries'. Paramedics administered advanced trauma care but could not save him.

The stabbing is said to have taken place at about 4pm. A fundraiser launched in Jahziah's name has since raised more than £2,500.

Donations will support the boy's funeral and a future campaign against knife crime, loved ones said.