A TEENAGER will go on trial next year accused of murdering a man at a mental health hospital in Basingstoke.
Owen Herbert, 19, of The Green, Overton, attended via a video link at Winchester Crown Court on Monday, November 14.
Herbert has been charged with the murder of Richard Laversuch, 63, from Andover, after an incident at Parklands Hospital in Basingstoke on Saturday, November 27, last year.
He is also accused of attempted murder and assaulting an emergency worker. Neither alleged victim has been named.
Herbert was not asked to give a plea to the three charges as further reports are required.
READ MORE: Man who died at Parklands hospital may have been strangled
Judge Susan Evans KC adjourned the hearing to allow for more time for reports to be completed.
A trial date has now been set for February 6, 2023, and is expected to last two weeks.
Herbert was remanded back into custody following the hearing.
Mr Laversuch’s family released a tribute to him following his death, saying: “Richard was kind and intelligent. He was thoughtful, caring and a good listener.
“Though he struggled with his health throughout most of his adult life, his first thought was always for the wellbeing of others.
“He both volunteered for and worked in elderly care and he touched the lives of all he encountered.
“He loved political discourse, music and general knowledge. One of his great loves was participating in the pub quiz with his friends.
“He followed Bath rugby, practised meditation and yoga, and passionately supported the Free Tibet campaign.
“He will be missed greatly by his family and friends.”
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