The start of a murder trial has been delayed by the barrister strike.
Five defendants appeared before Oxford Crown Court on Monday morning to be told that the case could not go ahead.
The defence barristers for all but one of the defendants – a teenage girl who cannot be named as she is under-18 – were absent, as they are taking part in the Criminal Bar Association’s indefinite walk-out in Legal Aid-funded cases.
The five defendants are accused of involvement in the murder of Keith Green, 40, who prosecutors say was fatally stabbed in the garden of his property in Howard Road, Banbury, on February 13.
Judge Ian Pringle KC adjourned the case until September 20, awaiting the outcome of a meeting between the CBA and the new Lord Chancellor later this week.
The individuals accused of murder are:
- Mr Green’s former partner, Louise Grieve, 38, of Howard Road, Banbury.
- Her son, Callum Johnson, 20, of Howard Road, Banbury.
- Alleged knifemen Mark Meadows, 25, of Rees Court, Banbury, and Travis Gorton, 20, of Well Bank, Hook Norton. They also face charges of possession of a knife, which are denied.
- A teenage girl, who cannot be named as she is under-18.
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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.
To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk
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