A NEW date has been set for the trial of three men accused of murder.

Luke Lovell, Gordon Blue Smith and Christopher Stubbs appeared at Teesside Crown Court today (Friday, July 1) via a live video-link from Leeds Prison.

Neither of the defendants entered a plea, and will be in court for a trial starting on November 14, which could last between three and four weeks.

Mr Lovell, 21, of Wilton Way, Whale Hill, Eston; Mr Smith, 22, of Laburnum Terrace, Teesville; and Mr Stubbs, 20, of Tyne Stret, South Bank, all near Middlesbrough, are charged with the murder of Lee Pettite, on March 1.

Mr Pettite, 22, died after being airlifted to hospital when he was found in Bankfields, Eston, with serious chest injuries.

Mr Stubbs also faces a firearms offence, and his barrister, Rod Hunt, said he will accept responsibility for discharging it.

All three defendants were further remanded in custody until the trial by the Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC.