Woman to stand trial over Valentine’s Day murder of 13 year-old girl in Doncaster park

Casey-Lyanne Kearney was found lying fatally injured in Elmfield Park last week, after dialling 999 for help.

She was taken to hospital but later died.

Hannah Bonser, 26, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court today via video link, charged with her murder.

The defendant, of Cusworth House, Doncaster, is also charged with possessing two knives.

After a five minute hearing, she was remanded in custody and told a provisional trial date had been fixed for July 2.

She will appear next at Sheffield Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on May 10.

Casey-Lyanne left her home in Rossington at around midday on Tuesday February 14 and caught the bus to Doncaster town centre, where she intended to meet a friend.

It has emerged that she called police and a passer-by phoned for an ambulance, but despite their efforts, she died in hospital hours later.

Bonser appeared via video link from New Hall Prison, in West Yorkshire, today.

She spoke only to confirm her name and sat with her hands clasped on her knees wearing a grey sweatshirt and glasses.

Last week, Casey-Lyanne’s parents paid tribute to their daughter, a year nine pupil at McAuley Catholic High School.

They said in a statement: “Losing Casey has been so painful words cannot begin to explain.

“She was the most beautiful, intelligent and bright young girl with her whole life ahead of her.

“We need time alone with family and friends to start to come to terms with our loss.”