Murder trial is delayed

The trial of a man accused of murder after a fatal fire has been delayed.

Patryk Mortimer, who was39,losthislifeinablaze atManorHousepremises,a former care home on High Street, Easington Lane, Sunderland, on November 3, 2018.

Declan Lancaster, 23, of no fixed address, been charged with his murder and was due to face trial later this month. But during a hearing at Newcastle CrownCourtyesterday,the trial start date has been put back until May 10.

Lancasterwillbebackin court for a further hearing onApril6.JudgePaulSloan QC remanded him in custody in the meantime.

Nine others managed to escape the fire, which started in the early hours of the morning, but tragically 39-year-old Mr Mortimer was unable to make it out.