Man denies murder of ‘beautiful’ 19-year-old girl in Oldbury
Mohammed Azim, 41, is charged with the murder of Lily Whitehouse
A man has appeared in court to deny murdering a “beautiful” teenage girl, who died in the street after suffering serious injuries.
Mohammed Azim, 41, is charged with the murder of Lily Whitehouse, who died in Oldbury on November 5 last year, having been hit by a vehicle on Old Park Lane, West Midlands Police said.
Ms Whitehouse was found with serious injuries nearby on Park Street by emergency services who battled to save her but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Appearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday, Azim, who listened to proceedings with the help of a Mirpuri interpreter, spoke only to enter his not guilty plea to a single count of murder.
Azim was initially due to face trial on Ms Whitehouse’s birthday on June 1, but the trial date was pushed back to June 3 and will be presided over by a High Court judge.
The trial is expected to last seven days, the court heard.
Judge Michael Chambers KC told Azim: “Your case is adjourned for trial, at the moment it is listed on June 3. If you choose not to attend your trial, you run the risk it may proceed in your absence and that might mean you become unrepresented.
“You have the right to give evidence at your trial. You are required to file a defence statement. That must be served before May 18.
“In the meantime, you must remain in custody. If you are not sure of anything, you must ask your solicitors.”
In a statement released through police after her death, Ms Whitehouse’s family said: “We are devastated by what has happened to our Lily, the void left in our hearts will never be filled.
“My beautiful girl Lily, 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.”