A SECOND man charged with murder after the death of a 32-year-old in Littlemore has appeared in court.
George Stephens, 27, of no fixed abode, was charged with one count each of murder and wounding with intent after the fatal stabbing of Tobias Bruce on February 25 in College Lane.
Stephens appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (April 13) and his case has been sent to Oxford Crown Court to be heard on Wednesday (April 17) for a bail application.
READ MORE: Scales of Justice: The latest cases from Oxford Magistrates' Court
He is the second defendant to be charged after Ryan Bryne, 24, of Hathaway Green Lane, Stratford-Upon-Avon, appeared at the higher court on April 11 charged with murder and two counts of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
A trial date has been set for September 30 this year with a time estimate of four weeks.
It is likely Stephens will stand trial alongside Bryne as prosecutor Kathy Oliver informed Judge Ian Pringle that the case is ‘expected to have two defendants'.
READ MORE: Man allegedly set fire to his OWN boat stands trial for arson
She added that there is a possibility of a third defendant but they are currently believed to be in Dubai.
Both Stephens and Bryne have been remanded in custody while the proceedings are ongoing.
Mr Bruce, who was a mobile manager at a shoe repair shop, died from a ‘multiple sharp force injuries’, an inquest opening heard last month.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article