South Shields men charged with murder of Brandon Lee may face trial in the autumn
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Ross Miller and Gary Miller are charged with killing 24-year-old Brandon Lee, who was found unresponsive inside a property at Victoria Road, South Shields, on Tuesday May 12.
Mr Lee, of Wansbeck Road, Jarrow, had injuries consistent with a bladed article and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
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Hide AdThe pair appeared at Newcastle Crown Court, via video link to prison, this morning and spoke only to confirm their names.
They were not asked to enter pleas to the charge they face.
Judge Paul Sloan QC said: "This is a first hearing, both defendants having been charged with the offence of murder."
Legal teams for both men confirmed there would be no applications for bail at this stage.
A further plea hearing will take place on June 15 and Judge Sloan said a trial, which may take up to 12 days, is likely to be heard in October.
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Hide AdRoss Miller, 23, of Victoria Road, South Shields and Garry Miller, 25, of Beach Road, South Shields were both remanded in custody.
Judge Sloan told them: "I am adjourning your case to a further pre-trial hearing. That hearing will be listed on June 15.
"You will be linked in on that day, as you have been today.
"Pending that hearing, you will both be remanded in custody."
Northumbria Police’s Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Hudson, the senior investigating officer on the case, said shortly after Mr Lee’s death that his family was receiving support from officers.
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Hide Ad“This is an incredibly difficult time for Brandon’s family and we have specially trained Family Liaison Officers supporting them,” she said.
The senior officer also reassured the public that there was no wider risk after the incident.
Touching tributes were left to Mr Lee near the scene of the police investigation.
Anyone with information they feel may assist police in the investigation can ring 101 or use the Tell us Something page of the Northumbria Police website quoting reference number 103 120520.
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Hide AdIndependent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.