Joseph Wills Jr, 37, has appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court charged with the murder of 27-year-old Bradley Thomas. The defendant denied one count of murder and one count of possessing a knife, an article with a blade or point, during the hearing on Tuesday, August 18.
Mr Thomas died in Clarence Street, Wolverhampton, on Sunday, July 5. Police subsequently charged Wills Jr in connection with his death. The court also heard the case of co-defendant Joseph Wills Sr, 65, who denied a single count of assisting an offender.
Court Hearing Details
Judge Michael Chambers KC addressed both defendants, informing them that they will stand trial on February 1, 2027. Wills Jr, of Inkerman Street, Wolverhampton, was remanded in custody, while Wills Sr, also of Inkerman Street, was released on bail.
The charges relate to the death of Bradley Thomas, a father from Wolverhampton. Tributes were left at the scene in Clarence Street following the incident.
Family Tribute
In a statement issued previously, Mr Thomas' family paid tribute to him, saying: "Brad was a loving son, father and brother and was one of a kind. He will be missed by all his friends and family, our boy."
The family's tribute highlights the personal loss behind the legal proceedings. Police had been called to Clarence Street on the day of the incident, and the investigation led to the charges against both men.
Next Steps and Trial Date
The case has been scheduled for trial on February 1, 2027, at Wolverhampton Crown Court. The defendants will remain under the court's jurisdiction until then, with Wills Jr in custody and Wills Sr on bail.
The trial will determine the outcome of the murder charge and the related knife possession charge against Wills Jr, as well as the assisting an offender charge against Wills Sr. The court proceedings continue to be followed by the local community, given the serious nature of the allegations.
