THE MAN accused of murdering a 17-year-old boy in Castle has appeared before a judge at Chester Crown Court.

Ian Broughton, 28, of Priory Street, Northwich has been in custody since being charged with murder on Wednesday, June 4 – a week after Liverpool teenager Rhys Butler was found dead in a flat at Peckforton Way.

Broughton appeared for a short pre-trial review on Monday morning, November 24, when it was confirmed his trial, scheduled for 10 days, will begin on January 14.