Trial date set for suspect accused of boy’s murder
A MAN accused of murdering a 15-year-old boy and attempting to murder the child’s mother could go on trial in December.
Suleman Altaf, 44, has been charged with the murder of Jakub Szymanski, the attempted murder of his mother, 40-year-old Katarzyna Bastek, and possession of a knife in a public place.
Mr Altaf appeared at Manchester Crown Court via prison video-link for a brief court hearing in front of a judge. Further dates for the case were set, with a trial scheduled for December 12.
Mr Altaf is next due to appear in court for a further hearing in August.
No pleas were entered during the preliminary hearing. Mr Altaf, who wore a grey jumper, only spoke to confirm his name.
“Suleman Altaf, you will be tried here on December 12,” Judge Anthony Cross QC said. “In the meantime, you are remanded in custody.”
Jakub, 15, died after being stabbed at a house on Bednal Avenue in Miles Platting on Thursday.
Members of Jakub and Ms Bastek’s were not in court for yesterday’s hearing.
In a tribute issued via police, Jakub’s family described him as a ‘funny, cheeky boy.’ They said: “Jakub was lovingly known as Kuba to his family and Jakub to his friends.
“He was always a popular child making friends wherever he went due to his friendly and chatty nature. He always spoke his mind, he was mischievous, funny and a cheeky boy.
“He loved his Xbox and football, supporting Manchester City. He was like every other teenage boy and was helpful to so many people, even those he just met. To our family, he’s our hero.”