A MAN due to stand trial charged with affray in connection with the death of a 22-year-old has been warned he faces being remanded in custody if he fails to comply with a court order.

Edwin Taha was told that an arrest warrant would be issued if he refused to co-operate with his defence counsel ahead of his trial later this month.

The Northern Echo: Luke JobsonLuke Jobson

The 20-year-old, of Lavender Way, Norton, is one of five people who were charged by police surrounding the death of the popular Thornaby 22-year-old, Luke Jobson.

Mr Jobson went missing following a night out in Yarm last January.

His body was later recovered from the River Tees a few days later.

The Northern Echo: Police working at the scene where Luke Jobson's body was recovered. Picture: NORTH NEWSPolice working at the scene where Luke Jobson's body was recovered. Picture: NORTH NEWS

John Nixon, representing Taha, said he had spoken at length with his client and he would be in a position to submit a defence statement by the end of the day.

Judge Jonathan Carroll, sitting at Teesside Crown Court, said: "At this late stage, he either complies fully or he goes inside.

"When you are released from the dock make sure you follow Mr Nixon's instruction of what is required of you to finish this procedure."

The Northern Echo: Edwin TahaEdwin Taha

Taha was released on bail with 10pm to 7am electronically monitored curfew attached to his conditions.

Four men, including Taha, are awaiting trial in connection with the investigation.

A teenager, who was 17-years-old at the time of his sentencing so cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced on Wednesday, June 24 after pleading guilty affray.

Hi co-accused, Ryan Alpay, 19, of Duneside, Elm Tree, Stockton, denies affray - using or threatening unlawful violence.

Ali Abdulmajieed, 19, of Corvus Drive, central Stockton, pleaded not guilty to affray - using or threatening unlawful violence.

Hammad Asif, 18, of Osborne Road, Stockton, denies affray.

  • The trial is listed to start at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, September 28.