A TEENAGER has appeared in court accused of murder in a Hampshire mental health hospital.

Owen Herbert, 19, of The Green, Overton, attended via a video link at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday, July 27.

Herbert has been charged with the murder of Richard Laversuch, 63, from Andover, after an incident at Parklands Hospital in Basingstoke on Saturday November 27 last year.

He is also accused of attempted murder and assaulting an emergency worker. Neither alleged victim has been named.

Herbert, who wore a dark sweatshirt, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

During a 20-minute hearing, Judge Angela Morris, the Recorder of Winchester, initially sat as a district judge at Basingstoke Magistrates Court before formally transferring the case to the crown court.

Herbert was not asked to give a plea to the three charges. He was represented by barrister Tom Horder. Kalim Khalil QC prosecuted.

The case was adjourned for a plea and trial preparation hearing on November 11. A provisional trial date has been set for February 6 2023. It is expected to last two weeks.

Herbert was remanded into custody.

Mr Laversuch’s family released a tribute to him following his death, saying: “Richard was kind and intelligent. He was thoughtful, caring and a good listener.

“Though he struggled with his health throughout most of his adult life, his first thought was always for the wellbeing of others.

“He both volunteered for and worked in elderly care and he touched the lives of all he encountered.

“He loved political discourse, music and general knowledge. One of his great loves was participating in the pub quiz with his friends.

“He followed Bath rugby, practised meditation and yoga, and passionately supported the Free Tibet campaign.

“He will be missed greatly by his family and friends.”

 

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