Park murder accused in court

Hannah Bonser, 26, who is also charged with the possession of two knives, is accused of killing Casey Kearney, in what detectives have described as a random, unprovoked attack.

Casey, also known as Casey- Lyanne, was discovered fatally injured in Elmfield Park, Doncaster, at lunchtime on Tuesday after she dialled 999 on her mobile phone.

Bonser, of Cusworth House, a block of flats in Doncaster town centre, appeared before magistrates, and nodded to confirm her name and date of birth.

Relatives of Casey listened in the public gallery, some sobbing, during the proceedings.

Bonser looked at the floor throughout the 15-minute hearing, occasionally glancing upwards as the prosecutor read out details of the case.

Magistrates remanded her in custody and she will appear at Sheffield Crown Court next Thursday.

Yesterday, Casey’s devastated parents issued a statement through South Yorkshire Police.

It said: “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.”

Police said Casey had left her home at about midday on Tuesday and caught the bus to Doncaster where she was going to meet a friend.

She was found by passers-by lying near a children’s play area. Police and paramedics struggled to save her, but she died on Tuesday night in Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people attended a vigil for Casey in Elmfield Park last night.

Friends and relatives lit candles, released Chinese lanterns and stood in silence as they remembered the teenager.