The case of a man accused of murder after the death of 44-year-old Matthew Phillips, following reports of a serious assault in Beverley, has been heard in court – but in his absence.
Timothy Tinson, 43, of Lairgate, Beverley, had been due to appear in court for what was the second listing of the case in two days.
But the hearing was dealt with in his absence after he was not brought to Hull Crown Court. He had earlier been remanded in custody.
Tinson is accused of murdering Mr Phillips after an incident in the early hours of Saturday, January 4. Police said that officers were alerted by a member of the public at about 1am after reports that a man had been seriously assaulted in Lairgate, near the junction of Saturday Market.
Emergency services attended and the man, identified as Mr Phillips, was taken to hospital for treatment to life-threatening injuries. He died shortly afterwards.
Prosecutor Jeremy Evans gave brief details of the case to the court, including administrative arrangements for the future progress of further hearings. Tinson was represented by Stephen Robinson, who indicated that reports were likely to be obtained on Tinson.
No indication of plea was given. Tinson was further remanded in custody in his absence and a further hearing will take place in March. A possible trial date has been identified for August 4, probably at Grimsby Crown Court, with a likely time estimate of about five days.
Representatives of the police were in court for the short hearing but no members of the family of Mr Phillips were present. Two male supporters of Tinson were in the public gallery.
Tinson had been remanded in custody on Tuesday after an earlier hearing before Hull Magistrates’ Court.
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