THE trial of a man charged with the murder of Adrian Locke has been scheduled to take place in July.

Micah Golding, aged 21, of Crossfarm Road, Harborne, Birmingham, was remanded in custody after a hearing at Worcester Crown Court yesterday. He is accused of stabbing Mr Locke, 39, of Wych Road, Droitwich, at 42a Teme Road, Worcester, on January 2.

Prosecutor Stephen Davies said substantial forensic evidence had yet to be assessed. He estimated the trial would take three weeks.

A plea and case management hearing would be held on April 22. Golding is also accused of conspiracy to supply class A drugs from 42a Teme Road between December 2 and January 3.

The drug charges allege Golding conspired with Rafael Marks, aged 20, of Nooklands Croft, Birmingham.

Marks was charged earlier this week on the drugs offences and possession of an illegal firearm, which relates to an offence from May 2011.