By Kate Lynch
The final terrifying moments of a Kerikeri schoolgirl's life have been described to a jury.
Fifteen-year-old Liberty Templeman disappeared after heading off to see her boyfriend in November 2008.
Her half-naked body was discovered 24 hours later.
The accused was just 14-years-old when police charged him with Liberty’s murder, now 16-years-old the boy pleaded not guilty in court today.
Extensive suppression orders in the case forbid media from naming or filming the accused.
Today his parents sat in the back of the court and listened, as details of the murder were made public for the first time.
On Liberty’s social website she said she was destined to be a star but it wasn't to be, when she returned to visit friends from Kerikeri High School in November 2008.
By Saturday afternoon she was to be beaten until she was unconscious, her body exposed, her clothing pulled away.
Police say Liberty was at a BBQ before she decided to walk with the accused to meet another friend.
They walked through an abandoned orchard, down by a stream when the then 14-year-old attacked her.
“He struck her a couple of times around the head until she was unconscious; he strangled her, pulled her pants down around her knees. Bra pulled up to expose breasts,” says Crown prosecutor Michael Smith.
The Crown alleges the accused then dragged her half-naked body down to the creek, and held her under water until she drowned.
“From there the accused has ridden his bike back home, removed the shirt he was wearing and hidden it, he's showered and effectively carried on as normal, he says.
“When Liberty didn't arrive to meet a friend later that night; her parents launched a frantic search throughout the town.”
Tragically their efforts were futile; her body was found face down in the Wairoa Stream 24 hours later.
Police say the boy on trial lied to them at first, at least three times to cover up his involvement.
The accused and his parents showed no emotion as the allegations were being read to the court.
Tomorrow Liberty's parents will give evidence about the beautiful girl they have lost
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