The boys, who were aged 15 at the time of Mr Bourke's death, were committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court following a three-day hearing at a Children's Court.

Mr Bourke's body was found in his Derby Road home on Sunday, July 15 last year.

During the committal hearing, the court heard the teenagers were at a party at a home near to Mr Bourke's on the night of Saturday, July 14.

Witnesses gave evidence that the boys left the party, although one said it was for a short time, estimating 10 to 15 minutes.

Witnesses also told the court the teenagers spoke of being in a fight or an argument, but the witnesses said they had the impression it was not a serious incident.

One said they checked the teenagers over with a torch that night and did not notice anything amiss.

However, another witness said they overheard one of the boys say that night he thought he killed someone, and another said to them, "I might have hurt someone".

A forensic pathologist told the court Mr Bourke died of injuries to his head and face, caused by blunt force.

Mr Bourke had osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, which the doctor said could lead to fractures caused by mild or no trauma.

She said his health conditions would have affected his ability to survive his injuries.

The doctor said she could not exclude the possibility that some of the injuries suffered by Mr Bourke were caused in a fall, but that would not explain them all.

Mr Bourke suffered lacerations to his face, head and mouth, she said, and those in his mouth would not have been caused by "minor force".

He also suffered bleeding around his brain, the court heard.

A forensic radiologist gave evidence that Mr Bourke's extensive facial fractures would have required a "substantial force".

A directions hearing will take place this month, ahead of the trial.