Charges reduced over boy's death

The 16-year-old boy first appeared in court in January

Six children facing trial over the death of a 13-year-old boy from Swansea have had the charges against them reduced.

They were arrested after Ross Hooper was found in the car park of the Gors Mission Presbyterian Church, Cwmbwrla, in January.

Ross Hooper lost a brother in a hit-and-run accident four years ago

Two girls and four boys, aged between 12 and 16, were charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

But the Crown Prosecution Service has now reduced the charges to threatening and abusive behaviour likely to cause alarm and distress and provoke violence.

The eldest boy, aged 16, is also accused of theft of a gold chain.

The trial is due to be heard at Swansea Juvenile Court on 31 May.

Ross was described as a "happy and popular boy" who had many friends.

Ross was found collapsed outside a church

He was found collapsed in a car park on the evening of Friday, 11 January.

Church staff called the emergency services after being alerted by children.

Ross was taken to Singleton Hospital, Swansea, but could not be revived.

His mother Linzi, 36, told BBC Wales she felt "numb and angry" at the death of her son.

The Hooper family suffered an earlier tragedy in February 1998 when Ross's brother Scott, 11, was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Swansea.