Trial date set into alleged murder of 23-year-old man on New Year’s Eve

Anthony Junior Murray, 25, was arrested and charged with murdering 23-year-old Joe Burton after an incident on Tarn Drive, Redvales, on the night of December 31.

He was also charged with possession of a bladed article and appeared before Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court last Friday.

A brief preliminary hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court heard how a trial is set to take place this summer.

Addressing the defendant, Judge Maurice Greene said: “The trial on this matter will be on June 22.

The case was heard at Minshull Street Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

“You will need to be here for the trial; if you don’t, it could take place in your absence without you being here.”

Murray, who wore a dark grey top, dark trousers, and glasses in the dock, spoke only to confirm his identity and his date of birth.

He did not enter a plea during the hearing, which lasted a matter of minutes.

Prosecutor Justin Heyhoe agreed to the trial date and set a series of stage dates for evidence to be readied before then.

Police officers at the scene (Image: Phil Taylor)

Mr Heyhoe told the court that the trial is expected to last between seven and 10 days.

Mark Shanks, defending, agreed to the dates and saying had nothing further to add and that he did not wish to make a bail application.

Police officers were called to the scene on Tarn Drive, a residential area lined with family homes, just before midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Forensics specialists on Tarn Drive (Image: Phil Taylor)

Officers remained at the scene throughout the following day and into the afternoon, and forensics specialists went about their work examining the scene.  

Police said at the time that Mr Burton was found at the scene with “injuries consistent with stabbing” and that he died despite the best efforts of the emergency services.

A woman, also in her 20s, was also arrested and was later released on bail pending further investigations.

Murray, of Tarn Drive, is expected to next appear before the court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Monday, March 23 .

Source – INDIA TV