Teen on murder charge admits responsibility for bandmate’s death

Samuel Frederick Donley, 19, made his first appearance at Leeds Crown Court today charged with the murder of Liam Miller, 20 of Terrington, near Malton on July 27 in Hamilton Drive West, Acomb.

He is also accused of the attempted murder of Theophilos Theophilou who was stabbed nearby close to the junction with Lady Hamilton Gardens. No pleas were entered and he spoke only to confirm his name.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC told Donley: “The purpose of your being hear this morning is for me to deal with your remand, all people charged with murder so far as remands must be dealt with by a Crown Court judge.”

Tony Kelbrick defending Donley said no bail application was being made today.

Jonathan Sharp prosecuting said Donley indicated in interviews that there was no dispute that he was responsible for causing Mr Miller’s death but other issues remain to be decided.

A preliminary hearing was fixed for Wednesday August 19 after Judge Collier said he would need to consult with the Presiding High Court Judge for the circuit about a trial date. The custody time limit expires on January 29.

A plea and case management hearing was set for October 2 when Mr Kelbrick indicated the defence counsel would be available.

Donley was remanded in custody until the next hearing when Judge Collier said he would fix the trial date.

Mr Miller had returned home for the summer from Liverpool John Moores Univesity where he was studying graphic design and illustration. He was a guitarist in the band Nocebo in which Donley was the singer.