13-year-old pleads guilty to Birkenhead bonfire murder

Feb 26 2008 by Chloe Griffiths, Daily Post Staff

A 13-YEAR-OLD boy has admitted murdering a man whose charred body was found in the dying embers of a community bonfire.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to murdering Stephen Croft on November 6 last year.

Mr Croft’s body was found in the remnants of a YMCA bonfire on waste ground in Whetstone Lane, Birkenhead.

The youngster denied a further charge of robbing Mr Croft, 34, of tobacco, cigarette papers and a lighter on the same occasion.

During a 10-minute hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, the youngster’s mother was given an escort into the dock, before he was brought out.

Wearing a black tracksuit with a grey T-shirt underneath, the youngster spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas.

After admitting murdering Mr Croft, he slouched impassively in a chair, which was flanked by two youth workers.

He showed no emotion during the hearing, but occasionally cast glances at Mr Croft’s family who had gathered in the public gallery.

Relatives of Mr Croft shook and were on the verge of tears as they watched the tall, well-built teenager admit killing Mr Croft.

The youngster was remanded to secure accommodation until April 11 when he is due to be sentenced by the Recorder of Liverpool, Henry Globe QC.

David Steer, QC, defending, told the court further psychological and psychiatric reports, as well as a pre-sentence report needed to be completed on the boy.

He added that the youth had "quite a history with social services" which needed to be looked into.

Mr Justice Roderick Evans told the teenager: "This case is adjourned for sentencing. You will be aware that there is only one sentence that can be passed, but the judge will have to pass a minimum sentence that has to be served."

Mr Croft’s charred remains were found on the smouldering fire off Quarry Bank in Birkenhead at about 1am on November 6 last year.

The skilled builder, who was widely known as Chazza, was described as a "happy-go-lucky character" by his mother Patricia.

Youth worker Mrs Croft, of Birkenhead, was celebrating her 53rd birthday when police arrived at her office to say her son was dead.