Teenager appears in court over death of young builder
GIANNE DIED FOLLOWING COLLISION IN THE CITY’S MERCIAN WAY
A TEENAGER accused of murder has appeared in court in relation to him allegedly killing a young man who died after being involved in a collision in Derby city centre.
Lawson Byrd, who has previously denied murdering Derby builder Gianne Patrick Obafial, has now entered a not guilty plea to his manslaughter.
Appearing over a video link from Nottingham Prison into Derby Crown Court, the 18-year-old, of Ash Close, Burton, spoke to confirm his name and enter his plea at the short hearing. He faces trial early next year on both charges.
Mr Obafial, aged 19, was left seriously injured after a collision with a car in Mercian Way, near Abbey Street, at around 10pm on July 19.
He was taken to hospital, but died at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham on July 28.
Judge Shaun Smith QC told yesterday’s hearing: “This was listed to see where we are and I understand the prosecution wish to add a count of manslaughter to the indictment? Can he be arraigned on that?”
Jamie Harrison QC, Byrd’s barrister replied: “Yes, he will plead not guilty.”
The hearing was told that the trial is on schedule to begin in January and that a defence case statement has been obtained.
Judge Smith said: “Mr Byrd, the next time I will see you will be on January 17 when you must attend this court for your trial.
“In the meantime I am remanding you into custody.”
An inquest into Mr Obafial’s death was opened at Derby Coroners’ Court on Tuesday, August 10.
Coroner Julie Mitchell said a postmortem examination had been carried out but no medical cause of death had been confirmed.
The provisional cause of death was given as “yet to be determined”.
The inquest was adjourned to a future date pending the outcome of the investigation into the builder’s death.
In a statement at the time, Mr Obafial’s family said he would be deeply missed.
It read: “All the family and friends of Gianne will sadly miss him but take great comfort in the joy he brought to all our lives in such a short space of time.
“The family wish to thank the emergency services for their care and support. We now request that our privacy is respected and that we are left alone to grieve.”