The trial of a man charged with the murder of Katie Fox in Birmingham city centre has been postponed by several months, a court has heard.
Tragic Incident and Charges
Katie Fox, aged 34, died after being stabbed in the neck on Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm on Friday, November 7. The fatal attack occurred in the heart of Birmingham.
Djeison Rafael, a 21-year-old man of no fixed address, was subsequently arrested and charged with her murder. He faces a series of additional charges, including two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on October 27 and November 7. Rafael is also charged with possession of a Stanley blade on November 7 and assaulting a detention escort officer the following day, November 8.
Court Hearing and Trial Rescheduling
Rafael has not yet entered pleas to any of the offences. His trial was originally scheduled to begin on May 5 this year.
However, during a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, January 16, his defence barrister, Rebecca Wade KC, informed the court that the May date was not "workable" for various legal reasons. Following this submission, Judge Paul Farrer KC refixed the trial to start on October 6 this year.
Next Steps and Defendant's Status
The court has scheduled a further hearing for July 24 this year to assess the progress of the case ahead of the new trial date.
Djeison Rafael, who is currently on remand at HMP Long Lartin near Evesham, was not present at the January hearing, either physically or via a video link.
The delay means the family and friends of Katie Fox must wait several more months for the judicial process to move forward as the case prepares for its October hearing.
