THE trial of a teenager accused of murdering 15-year-old Knutsford schoolboy Alex Rodda will not go ahead on Monday.

Matthew Mason, 19, of Ash Lane, Ollerton, was due to stand trial on Monday at Chester Crown Court for the murder of the Holmes Chapel Comprehensive student Alex, whose body was found in Ashley Mill Lane in Ashley on December 12 last year.

The trial was estimated to last for two weeks.

However the coronavirus pandemic has currently put a halt to court trials in the UK, resulting in Mason’s trial being postponed until September.

Mason last appeared in court via video link from HMP Altcourse, Liverpool, in February in order to enter his plea. He spoke only to confirm his name and enter his not guilty plea.

Ian Unsworth QC, prosecuting, told the court there would be a number of juvenile witnesses.

Mason is remanded in custody.