Teenager in court over stab death

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Thomas Knowles, 18, of Chipping Grove, Blackpool, appeared at the town's magistrates' court to face that charge and also one count of attempted murder.

Sam died from a single stab wound to the chest after he was attacked at around 4am last Monday, just yards from his home on Cockerham Walk in the Lancashire town.

Dressed in a navy T-shirt and jeans, Knowles spoke only to confirm his name and personal details during the five-minute hearing.

No application for bail was made and reporting restrictions were not lifted.

He was remanded into custody and will appear at Preston Crown Court on August 30 for a plea and case management hearing.

A 15-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at the same court on Saturday also charged with the murder of Sam and attempted murder of his 26-year-old friend Kevin Allen.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at Blackpool youth court on Thursday.

Knowles' mother Teresa, who was also arrested in connection with the murder inquiry, was released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Sam had been due to start his GCSE exams the day after he was brutally knifed to death. The St Mary's Catholic College pupil had been hoping to train as a plumber after finishing his GCSEs and had recently taken a part-time job in a local supermarket.