A man appeared in court today accused of stabbing a man to death in Huyton.
James Preston had been charged with the murder of 25-year-old Joseph Holland at an address in Huyton House Road, Huyton, on Thursday, June 8. Mr Holland was found dead in the house after Merseyside Police were called to reports of concerns for the safety of a man, and it was later confirmed he suffered a stab wound to the chest.
The force said a 21-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder in Kent on Saturday, June 10. Three men from Huyton, aged 28, 25 and 36, who were arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday have since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
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Preston, from the Huyton area, previously appeared at Wirral Magistrates' Court for a brief initial hearing and the case was passed to Liverpool Crown Court.
Appearing before Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon, Preston, who appeared via video link, spoke only to confirm his name. It was heard he has remanded in custody since the time of his arrest and today's hearing was a "timetable setting exercise."
His Honour Judge Aubrey KC set a date for the plea and trial preparation hearing for August 11, where Preston will attend via video link, and a trial date was set for December 4. It is estimated the trial will be held for around five to seven days.
As the court dates were set, the judge ordered that Preston will remain in custody and he was not granted bail.
In a short tribute issued earlier this week, Mr Holland's family said: “No words could ever describe the loss of our beautiful son, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was loved by everybody.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with any information with reference 23000495217.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymous
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