Opening of murder trial delayed after accused’s ‘Covid related’ no show

THE trial of two men accused of murdering Ricky Lee Collins in a street in Killamarsh in March was plunged into chaos yesterday.

With the jury selected, family and friends of the two accused outside waiting to enter Court One at Derby Crown Court and both defence and prosecuting counsel ready to begin, the opening of the trial was forced to be delayed due to one of the defendants not arriving at court for the 10.30am start time.

Addressing the issue in court, His Honour Judge Egbuna told the QCs that he had been informed defendant Martin Mongan had refused to leave his prison cell, where he has been held in custody.

However, this was quickly dismissed by his barrister, Gerard Hillman, who said his client hadn’t travelled to court due to a “Covid related issue”.

As the clock ticked past midday, GEOAmey, who transport defendants from custody to courts up and down the country, told Judge Egbuna that they could get Mongan to Derby Crown Court for 2pm.

The judge asked if Mr Hillman would like his client to be brought to court.

Mr Hillman agreed he would so that he could have a discussion with his client.

Judge Egbuna decided that the jury, co-defendant Bradley Ward’s defence counsel and the prosecutors did not have to remain at Derby

Crown Court and adjourned the trial to return on Monday, November 22.

Ward pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder while Mongan denied a charge of assisting an offender in relation to the alleged murder.

Collins, 31, died in hospital after being found with stab wounds in Westhorpe Road, Killamarsh, on March 29.