TWO Wirral teenagers accused of the murder of computer operator Simon Dawson made their first appearance at Liverpool Crown Court.

Carl Harrison, 19, of Hillfoot Close, Beechwood, Birkenhead, and 16-year-old Craig Roberts, of Derby Road, Tranmere, pleaded not guilty to murder.

It is alleged they murdered the 30-year-old university graduate on August 28 last year.

Harrison also denied charges of burglary on February 25, burglary at Hoylake Golf Club on June 3 and the aggravated taking of a Vauxhall Astra on the same day.

Mr Dawson, a twin, was discovered head down in a pond at Brotherton 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, which is based in nearby Cleveland Street.

His parents David, 60, and Joan, 56, live in Chester and are both directors of Lexicraft.

Harrison, who wore a blue and black track suit top, and Roberts, who wore a blue sweatshirt, spoke only to confirm their identities and enter their pleas.

The hearing was adjourned until March 18 when a trial date is expected to be fixed. Harrison and Roberts were both further remanded in custody.

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