THE teenager charged with the murder of 18-year-old Daniel Rush, who died after he was allegedly struck on the head with a hammer, has been given a new date to appear at St Albans Crown Court.

Lee Devlin, 18, of Badgers Gate, Dunstable, was due in court on Tuesday, May 13, but the case has been adjourned until Tuesday, May 20.

Devlin's cousin, James Newton, 18, of Palmerston Road, Kilburn, is accused of disposing of the hammer.

Newton was also due in court on Tuesday, but the case against him was relisted for Tuesday as well.

Daniel, of The Gossamers, on the Meriden Estate, died in a London hospital on Monday, February 2.

He was walking with a friend behind McDonalds in Longsprings, North Watford, when the incident occurred.

He was admitted to Watford General Hospital around 9pm, but lost his fight for life on Saturday, March 1, at Queens Square Hospital.

Devlin has been remanded in custody and Newton is on conditional bail.

May 13, 2003 16:30