Schoolboy bailed on murder claim

A 12-YEAR-OLD boy charged with murder has been granted bail by a High Court judge.

The youngster, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was not at Manchester Crown Court for the short hearing.

He has been bailed to an address in Accrington in Lancashire with a series of conditions attached.

Bradley Moore, 43, was assaulted outside a McDonald's restaurant in Warrington Street in Ashton on Wednesday last week. He was taken to hospital with numerous injuries but died the following day.

Three women and one man sat in the public gallery for the bail application, which the Crown and defence had requested be heard in chambers.

But following an application from the Press Association, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb allowed it to be heard in open court.

The conditions of the boy's bail are that he does not enter the borough of Tameside and that he does not contact directly or indirectly any of his three co-defendants or anyone who may be a prosecution witness.

He will also be subject to an electronically monitored curfew between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

The next hearing will be at the same court on August 15.

Two 16-year-olds boys and a 17-year-old who cannot be named because of their ages are also charged with murder.

The boys are due to stand trial on January 16 next year and will next appear in court on August 15 for a preliminary hearing.

In a tribute, Mr Moore's family said they had "struggled to find the words to describe their great loss".

Daughter Alex said: "My dad was a harmless man and was loved by all those who knew him.

"I will make him proud and I know he will be watching over me, my brothers, Reece and Jack, and my little sister, Emma."

Mr Moore's sister Melanie said: "Bradley was a tough character who led a difficult life at times.

"For it to be cut short so tragically is truly heartbreaking. At least he can now rest at ease with our mother. May he rest in peace."