A 15-year-old boy has denied the murder of 12-year-old Bobby Bloomfield, who died in hospital hours after an incident in Pilgrims Hatch, near Brentwood in Essex, on June 7. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on August 17 and entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge. He was allegedly driving the car involved in the incident.
A second defendant, 43-year-old William Lunnon of Pilgrims Hatch, who is accused of being a passenger in the vehicle, appeared in court via video link. Lunnon did not enter a plea, as his defense indicated an application to dismiss the case against him, with a hearing scheduled for October 6.
The trial, which is anticipated to last up to six weeks, is set to begin in November and will be presided over by a High Court judge. Prosecutor Eloise Marshall KC stated that the investigation into the matter is ongoing.
During a June hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates Court, it was outlined that Bobby and three friends were on private land believed to be abandoned properties. According to the prosecution, they were chased by a car before Bobby was struck. The teenage defendant then allegedly exited the vehicle and assaulted Bobby on the verge.
Prosecutors also stated that both defendants left Bobby at the roadside after attempting to remove and destroy property at the scene, discarding potential evidence. The collision occurred on Ashwells Road and was reported to Essex Police shortly before 5:40 p.m.
Bobby Bloomfield was a Year 8 pupil at Shenfield High School. His family released a statement describing him as someone who "brought light and life into all our lives," adding that losing him is a "parent's nightmare." The school also remembered Bobby as a student who "brought so much fun and happiness" and was "charismatic, full of energy and had a great sense of humour."
Essex Police had previously announced arrests in connection with the case, including two men and two women detained on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood commented that the investigation was complex but had made significant progress, resulting in charges and further arrests. He urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in building a clear picture of the events.