A man accused of murdering a young mother in Oldbury has made his first appearance before a crown court judge.
Court Appearance and Adjournment
Mohammed Azim, aged 41, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday, December 16. He faces a single charge of murdering 19-year-old Lily Whitehouse. During the brief hearing, Azim did not enter a plea to the charge.
The court was informed that Azim, who was born in Pakistan and moved to England at age 16, has limited English language skills. As a result, future hearings will require a Mirpuri interpreter to be present.
Judge Michael Chambers KC adjourned the case for a plea and trial preparation hearing, which is now scheduled for January 16, 2026. The judge told Azim he must remain in custody until that date.
Trial Date Set Amid Poignant Request
A provisional trial date has been set for June 1, 2026. This date was chosen despite a request from the Crown Prosecution Service to delay it by a single day, as June 2 would have been Ms Whitehouse's birthday. The trial is estimated to last up to two weeks.
Judge Chambers directly addressed the defendant, stating: "Your case is being adjourned until the next hearing on January 16, when you will be produced at court, and you will be asked if you plead guilty or not guilty."
Tragic Details of the Incident
Lily Whitehouse was found dead in Oldbury on November 5. West Midlands Police confirmed she had been hit by a vehicle. It is understood the incident occurred on Old Park Lane, and emergency services later discovered her with serious injuries on nearby Park Street.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, the 19-year-old could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a heartfelt statement released after her death, Ms Whitehouse's grieving family paid tribute to their "beautiful girl." They said: "We are devastated by what has happened to our Lily, the void left in our hearts will never be filled. Your big brown eyes and your laughter could light up the world. You were so special. Nineteen years of love and laughter. Taken from us far too soon, in a way no heart should have to bear."
Flowers and tributes have been left at the scene on Park Street in memory of the young mother.
Mohammed Azim, of Tividale Road, Tipton, was remanded in custody following the hearing. The case continues.
