On Thursday 4 October 2007 a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in the dock of the Old Bailey to deny murder.

He was arrested in Cambridge on August 8 and later charged with the killing. He spoke only to confirm his name and plead not guilty. Members of Mr Foster's family, who were in the court just a few feet from the defendant, sobbed during the short hearing.

Judge Martin Stephens QC set a provisional trial date of May 6 2008. The teenager, from Brixton, will appear again on November 2 2007 for a pre-trial hearing.

He was remanded in custody.

As he was led from the dock he waved to his mum, who was sitting in the public gallery.