THE 18-year-old accused of killing Wirral police constable Dave Phillips by driving a car at him appeared before a crown court judge again today.

Clayton Williams, of Wheatland Lane, Wallasey, is accused of killing the father-of-two who was trying to stop a stolen vehicle in the early hours of October 5.

Williams appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link from Altcourse prison along with Philip Stuart, 30, of Mayfair Court, Oxton, who is alleged to have been his passenger and who is charged with the aggravated unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle and burglary.

Also appearing via video link were Georgia Clarke, 19, Dawn Cooper, 34, and Michael Smith, 19, who are charged with assisting an offender.

Georgia Clarke, of Knowsley Road, Wallasey, Dawn Cooper, of Wheatland Lane, Wallasey and Michael Smith, of Widmore Road, Gateacre are alleged to have burnt and attempted to dispose of the clothing of a murder suspect.

Blonde haired Clarke was seen crying and was comforted by a female prison officer as the proceedings began today.

Judge Alan Conrad, QC, further remanded them all until January 8 when they are expected to enter their pleas.

A date for their trial at Preston Crown Court before Mr Justice Davis, estimated to last three weeks, was fixed to begin on March 7.

Bail applications by Cooper and Smith were refused and all five have been remanded in custody to await their next appearance.

Williams is alleged to be the driver of the Mitsubishi L200 pick-up which knocked down the 34-year-old officer who was trying to use a "stinger" type device to puncture the pick-up truck's wheels in Dock Road, Wallasey.

His colleague PC Thomas Birkett managed to jump out the way but PC Phillips died in hospital.

Williams is additionally charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent to PC Birkett, burglary of an estate agents in Oxton, involving stealing a cash till, fishing equipment, electrical items and vehicle keys and aggravated vehicle taking.

The funeral for Phillips will be held at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral next month.