Luke O’Connor murder investigation: suspect, 19, appears in the dock and crown court date set

The teenager accused of the murder of the university student will now appear before a crown court judge in the new year.
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The teenager accused of the murder of 19-year-old student Luke O’Connor in Manchester has made his first appearance in court after he was charged by the police.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) charged Shiloh George Pottinger, 19, from Fallowfield, with murder and possession of a bladed article. He appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday (31 October) and a date for him to appear at the crown court in January has been set.

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He was arrested in the Fallowfield area of the city on Friday (28 October). Detectives have been investigating since Luke, who was from Bedfordshire, was fatally stabbed in the early hours of Wednesday 26 October on Wilmslow Road.

What have police said has happened in the murder investigation?

Pottinger appeared in the dock at the magistrates’ court on Monday (31 October) and a date for him to appear at Manchester Crown Court was set for 13 January 2023. He was remanded in custody.

GMP said that as criminal proceedings are active it is extremely important that nothing is published which could jeopardise a fair trial and said people must refrain from commentary or speculation online.

The force also said specially-trained officers remain in contact with Luke’s family and are providing updates throughout the investigation. Police are still asking anyone with information that could be useful to the investigation to come forward and call 0161 856 6777, quoting incident number 240 of the date 26/10/2022.

What did police say?

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Superintendent Helen Critchley, of GMP’s City of Manchester South district, said: “Our detectives have been in liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service who have authorised us to charge a suspect with Luke’s murder, which is a significant moment in this case for all concerned.

“Luke and his family remain at the front-and-centre of our investigation and my thoughts are with them this evening at the end of what will have been the most devastating week of their lives.

“We’ve also felt the shock and hurt in our large student community in Fallowfield, and we are continuing to listen and address the concerns that people have spoken to us about.

“I’d like to remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and nothing should be posted online that could jeopardise the defendant’s right to a free trial, therefore it’s really important people refrain from speculation or commentary on social media throughout the hearing of the case. We’re grateful for all the information the public have given us so far.”

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