Plea hearing date set for teenager charged with Riverfield Drive murder

Flowers have been left near to where Leon Penman died on 24 May 2024. Image: Bedford Independent

A plea date (arraignment) has been set for the teenager accused of the murder of 20-year-old Leon Penman on Riverfiled Drive, Bedford last week (18 May).

Read: 18-year-old charged with murder of father of two following Riverfield Drive stabbing

18-year-old Jacob Zuco of Kimble Drive, Bedford is due to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty at Luton Crown Court on 10 September.

If the case then goes to trial, Judge Michael Simon has set this to begin on 13 November.

Read: The first hearing in the Crown Court: The Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (external link cps.gov.uk)

Earlier this week, the victim’s family paid tribute to Leon, “He was a much-loved son, brother and a loving father to two beautiful daughters and a friend to many. Leon will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

“We are all truly devastated,” they said.