24-year-old Liam Matthews has appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court over the alleged murder of Cowes man Lucas Scutt, as well as 2 additional charges.
Matthews, of Spinnaker Close in Cowes, appeared before His Honour Judge Bowes KC at Portsmouth Crown Court this morning (Tuesday), having first appeared before Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, having been charged the previous day.
As first reported by Island Echo, what was initially thought by nearby residents to be an innocuous fire that tore through 3 homes took a tragic turn after officers discovered the body of Lucas Scutt in an upstairs bedroom.
In the days that followed, detectives from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary carried out a number of arrests as part of their investigation, with Matthews subsequently being charged with murder.
During today’s short hearing, Defence junior Rob Harding discussed with the Crown Prosecution Service the provisional trial date, to ensure Matthews’ elected solicitor could be there to fulfil his role.
A date of 15th March 2027 was ultimately agreed on and set by all present, including Judge Bowes KC.
No pleas were entered during today’s hearing, with a plea and trial preparation hearing date set for 28th September. At this hearing, in just under 11 weeks’ time, the defendant will be asked to enter either a guilty or not guilty plea.
Matthews faces a total of 3 charges including murder, arson with intent to endanger life, as well as failing to comply with a Section 49 notice to disclose the key to protected information, such as the password to a mobile device.
The accused appeared impassive as he sat in the dock overlooking the proceedings of the court.
At his previous hearing, 3 of Matthews’ loved ones were present in the public gallery. Today, the hearing was attended solely by his mum, who he blew a kiss to and gestured a heart to upon entering and exiting the dock.
His Honour Judge Bowes KC remanded Matthews in custody and adjourned the case to Portsmouth Crown Court for the plea and trial preparation hearing on 28th September.
