Taxi driver murder suspect refused to attend court hearing in Wolverhampton
Not guilty pleas entered in absentia for suspect in Tipton murder case
David Harrison, a suspect in the murder case involving taxi driver Harun Khan, did not attend his court hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
The 76-year-old refused to appear via video link from HMP Frankland in County Durham.
The judge ordered not guilty pleas to be entered for Harrison, who faces charges including the murder of 39-year-old Harun Khan, which occurred on 3rd March 2008 in Tipton, near Dudley.
He is also charged with wounding a 27-year-old man in a separate shooting in December 2007 in Dudley and possesses firearms with intent to endanger life.
H2 Harrison's Court Absence
During the hearing, Harrison informed the court of his decision not to attend voluntarily both on March 6th and the current date.
Judge Michael Chambers KC, following submissions from prosecutors and defence, decided to adjourn the case.
The court office will issue a letter to Harrison, notifying him of his rights, including the option to give evidence and the potential for the trial to be conducted without him.
A pre-trial review is set for 1st June, where Harrison is directed to attend in person.
H2 Upcoming Trial
The trial is set to commence on 16th November and is estimated to last three weeks.
Harrison's decision not to attend previous hearings could impact court proceedings going forward.