Delay to trial of men accused of murdering Linwood teenager

Dec 6 2012 by Lynn Jolly, Paisley Daily Express

The grieving loved ones of a Linwood teenager who died of stab wounds in England will now have to wait until next year for the trial of two men who are accused of his murder.

Anthony Driver, 36, and Luke Elliott, 21, stand accused of killing 19-year-old Craig Hepburn in the early hours of July 7.

However, the case has been delayed due to late evidence being served and restrictions in the court timetable as a result of the Christmas holidays.

Judge Peter Collier QC, sitting at Leeds Crown Court yesterday, said it was “regrettable” that the case could not go ahead as planned.

He told the court: “This is desperately unfortunate.

“The deceased’s family, I am sure, if they are not here in court today, will be travelling down here with the reasonable expectation this case would be heard before Christmas.”

Judge Collier said he had consulted with the senior presiding judge for the Leeds circuit before announcing his decision to adjourn the trial.”

It was suggested that a three-week trial be scheduled for March 11 next year but, as the defence agent for one of the defendants would not be available, no date has been set.

Driver, of Marsden, and Elliott, of Cowersley, were both remanded in custody.

Craig died during a trip to West Yorkshire, where he was visiting his uncle.

The tragedy left his family heartbroken.

Friends of Craig, who was a keen piper and worked as a barman at the JG Fleming Bowling Club, in Houston, organised a fundraising march through Linwood to raise cash towards the cost of his funeral.