Brighton boy, 14, denies manslaughter of Connor Saunders

A schoolboy from Brighton has entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of manslaughter after being accused of killing 19-year-old Connor Saunders.

The 14-year-old is accused of punching Connor in West Street, Rottingdean, in what Sussex Police described as an altercation.

Connor, of Downsway in Woodingdean, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he died the next day.

The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Hove Crown Court today (Friday 25 May) for a plea and case management hearing.

He was bailed until Monday 15 October when he is expected to go on trial at either Lewes Crown Court or Hove Crown Court.

Connor, a plasterer, was also a talented footballer and played County League football for Peacehaven and Telscombe FC where his father Shaun is the manager.

Two other boys – a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old – were also arrested during the police inquiry but have since been told that they face no further action.