Teenager denies murdering 'caring' 15-year-old Cheshire schoolboy
A teenager has denied murdering a 15-year-old schoolboy.
Matthew Mason, 19, of Ash Lane, Ollerton, near Knutsford, denied the killing at Chester Crown Court on Friday.
Alex Rodda was found dead in the village of Ashley, near Manchester Airport, on the morning of Friday, December 13 2019.
In court, Alex’s mother Lisa was in tears as his family sat in court.
Mason was remanded in custody with his trial set to begin on April 20.
Following his death, Alex’s family said in a statement released by Cheshire Police: “Alex was a very loving, caring, kind, loyal and, most of all, trusting young boy.
“He loved life and made friends wherever he went. He will be sorely missed.”
Denis Oliver, the headteacher at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, where Alex was a Year 11 pupil, also paid tribute.
In a statement posted to the school’s website, he said: “Alex will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him within our close-knit school family.
“Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
