THE trial of two Wirral teenagers accused of murdering computer operator Simon Dawson is to be held in July.

The date was fixed at Liverpool Crown Court when Carl Harrison, 19, of Hillfoot Close, Beechwood, Birkenhead, and a 16-year-old boy made their second appearance.

They have already pleaded not guilty to murdering the 30-year-old university graduate on August 28 last year.

Mr Dawson, a twin, was discovered head down in a pond at Bretherton Park, Spital, after a night out at the 5th Avenue nightclub in Bromborough.

A post mortem revealed he had been badly beaten before drowning at the local beauty spot.

Mr Dawson lived in a flat in Grayson Mews, Birkenhead, and worked at his father's firm, Lexicraft, based in nearby Cleveland Street. His parents, David, 60, and Joan, 56, live in Chester and are both directors of Lexicraft.

Harrison and the juvenile have both been further remanded in custody to await their trial, which is expected to take 10 days, beginning on July 19.

Mr Justice McKinnon ordered that the 16-year-old should not be identified despite having been named in previous press reports.

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