Boy, 12, accused of murdering woman hit by car smiles during first appearance in court

A 12-year-old boy accused of killing a 60-year-old woman was seen smiling in the dock at his first court appearance.

Marcia Grant died after being hit by a car in Sheffield on Wednesday evening. The collision occurred shortly after 7pm in the Greenhill area of the city.

The 12-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article. He appeared at the city's youth court today, where he was remanded into secure accommodation, the Mirror reports.

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Wearing a dark blue jumper over an open-necked light blue shirt and blue trousers, the boy stood in the glass-fronted dock flanked by two security officers. During the 30-minute hearing, he spoke to confirm his identity and was seen smiling occasionally.

Marcia was described by loved ones as "a warm, loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend" as well as "a pillar of her community". One friend said: "Marcia was a wonderful person. I was lucky to have known her and my heart is breaking for her family."

Flowers and tributes were left outside a semi-detached house near to the scene in Greenhill on Thursday following the news, with the property remaining sealed off by police until Friday.

The boy will next appear at Sheffield Crown Court on April 11.

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