A TEENAGER who has been charged with the murder of a 19-year-old boy from Tilehurst will stand trial next year.

Sheldon Lewcock was riding an electric bike when he was involved in a collision in Pierces Hill on August 4 last year. He passed away five days later.

Ryan Willicombe, from Newbury, was originally charged with driving a vehicle involved in a road accident and failing to report that accident as well as one count of driving without third-party insurance.

READ MORE: Sheldon Lewcock: Newbury man, 18, charged with murder

The 18-year-old appeared via video link at Reading Crown Court on Thursday (September 28) for a preliminary hearing charged with murder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and causing death by dangerous driving.

A trial date has been set for February 5 and is expected to last two to three weeks.

He appeared via video link from HMP Bullingdon wearing a grey t-shirt and spoke only to confirm his name.

Willicombe is being held in custody with no immediate bail application allowed due to the teenager texting his sister informing her of his intentions to leave the country.

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Thus, the courts are concerned Willicombe would not turn up for his trial if bail was granted.

He will be asked on November 13 to make his plea formally to the courts.