Boy, 13, accused of murdering carer

A 13-year-old boy has appeared in court accused of murdering a foster carer.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with killing Dawn McKenzie in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire on June 24 last year.

It is alleged that he repeatedly struck the 34-year-old on the head and body with a knife and murdered her.

The teenager pleaded not guilty to the charge at a previous court hearing in October.

At today’s hearing at Glasgow High Court, defence counsel Louise Arrol asked for a further preliminary hearing to be set, saying that defence inquiries were continuing.

Lady Stacey adjourned the case until next month.