Swadlincote man among four accused of murder over fatal stabbing

A SWADLINCOTE man has appeared in court alongside three other people in relation to a fatal stabbing of a young man.

Jordan Fairbrother, 26, appeared with Dylan Geary, 22, Daniel Lewsley, 32, and Grant James Masterson, 29, for a pre-trial review hearing held via a video link at Derby Crown Court.

They were appearing in connection with the death of Byron Griffin, 22, who died after being fatally wounded in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, on Sunday, July 4.

The quartet have all previously pleaded not guilty to murder.

The short hearing was held to check that the prosecution and defence teams were all still confident that their trial will begin as scheduled on January 4, the first day the crown court is sitting following the Christmas and New Year break.

Each party confirmed they were. Appearing over links from two different jails – HMP Durham and HMP Leeds – the quartet were dressed in T-shirts and sweatshirts and spoke only to confirm their names. Judge Robert Egbuna remanded the three Ilkeston men – Geary, Lewsley and Masterson all of Great Northern Close – and Fairbrother, of Nelson Street, Swadlincote, into custody.

Police were called to reports that a man was found with a single stab wound to the chest in Eyre’s Garden, Ilkeston, at around 12.40pm on Sunday, July 4.

Mr Griffin, of East Leake, near Loughborough, was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre, in Nottingham, where he died.

Following the tragedy, officers said they were no longer looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. However, they are still keen to hear from anyone with information, in particular any drivers with dashcam. People should contact Derbyshire Police on 101, including reference 21*372467.