First pic of millionaire farmer’s son, 18, accused of murdering boy, 15, who was found stripped in field
THIS is the first picture of a millionaire farmer’s son accused of murdering a teenage boy who was found stripped and dumped in a field. Churchgoer Matthew Mason, 18, allegedly killed Alex Rodda, 15, who was a few years below him at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School in Cheshire. Mason is also accused of being in […]
THIS is the first picture of a millionaire farmer’s son accused of murdering a teenage boy who was found stripped and dumped in a field.
Churchgoer Matthew Mason, 18, allegedly killed Alex Rodda, 15, who was a few years below him at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School in Cheshire.
Mason is also accused of being in possession of a knife on December 13 in Newport.
Cheshire Police have since charged him with murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Mason appeared fresh-faced in court, wearing an open-necked, long sleeved white shirt and black trousers after being pictured in a prison bus.
He was escorted to the dock by two custody officers and handcuffed to one ahead of his brief court appearance, which lasted less than 30 minutes.
Mason looked forward and kept his arms by his side, speaking only to confirm his name and address.
His loved ones and his alleged victim’s family were in tears in the rear of the courtroom during his appearance.
The teen, of Ollerton, near Knutsford, has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
‘HONOURABLE’ CHURCHGOER
Shocked neighbours told of their surprise that the Christian teen who lived with his parents and grandmother on their farm in Ollerton, Cheshire, had been charged with murder.
A family friend described Mason as an “honourable” churchgoer, adding: “It was a real shock when I found out it was Matthew who’d been charged.
“His family are lovely and so is Matthew. He loves to go fishing with his dad.
“His family are regulars at the church and Matthew goes too. He’s a very honourable young man and I can’t believe he’s been caught up in this.
“I’ve known him all my life.”
TRIBUTES TO TEEN
Paying tribute to Alex, the victim’s mum told the Sunday Mirror: “I wish he had not been so trusting.
“He was only 15 and that made him vulnerable. I am heartbroken.”
One neighbour said: “He was always messing around, dressing up in other people’s clothes. He’d put anything on to make people laugh.
“I cannot believe this has happened.”
Hundreds of pals left their condolences online with one writing: “Heartbroken is an understatement. Words can not describe how we are feeling.
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“We will always love you and will never forget that infectious smile that lit up a room and brightened everybody’s day.
“Still can’t believe it. We’ve been trying to process it all night and just can not begin to understand why.”
Another posted: “Never failed to make me laugh rest easy angel.”
Students will be supported by staff on Monday.
Forensic officers have been examining the scene since the grim discovery.
Anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage that may help the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 587226, give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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