Newcastle student murder: Sunderland man, 21, appears in court

Aaron Ray is alleged to have killed a 24-year-old, as yet unnamed man, at the Mansion Tyne student accommodation facility, in Newcastle, last Tuesday (September 27).

Police were called to the student flats, in Howard Street, at about 4.30pm, following a report expressing concern for the welfare of a man.

Emergency services were soon at the scene, but the man’s death was confirmed shortly after their arrival.

Police attending Mansion Tyne accommodation in Newcastle, where student is alleged to have been killed last week Picture: Bill Edgar (Image: Bill Edgar)

His next of kin were informed and were being supported by specialist officers.

Read more: Man arrested after 24-year-old dies at Newcastle student flats

Northumbria University subsequently issued a statement confirming the deceased was enrolled with it prior to his death.

It said it was “deeply saddened” to confirm the death of the student, adding that it was in contact with his family and friends to offer any support it could offer.

The 21-year-old accused was arrested and remained in police custody being questioned, as forensic officers worked at the block of flats, where there was a police cordon.

Northumbria Police issued a statement saying the two men involved were known to each other and there was no risk to the general public, although officers would be remaining in the area.

The defendant, of Mayfield Road, South Hylton, Sunderland, was later charged with murder and appeared on Saturday before Newcastle magistrates, who remanded him in custody and sent the case to the city’s crown court.

Appearing before the Recorder of Newcastle, Judge Paul Sloan, today, via video link from Durham Prison, where he is on remand, the defendant only spoke briefly to confirm his identity and that he understood what was taking place during the short hearing.

He appeared in the prison video booth wearing a grey sweat shirt and jogging bottoms.

The charge of murder was not put to him, but it will be at a plea hearing at the court, on Friday, October 28.

Read more: Newcastle murder probe: 21-year-old charged after death of man in flats

Judge Sloan said it was estimated that the case would take five days-plus if it was to go to trial.

A start date has been identified for Tuesday, March 14, 2023, which is ahead of the custody time limit to detain him prior to trial, which expires on March 31, next year.

Judge Sloan adjourned the case until the plea hearing on October 28 and remanded the defendant to remain in custody until then.

He reminded the defendant if he was to make any admissions over the allegations the sooner he did that, the better it would be for him.

No bail application was to be made at this stage on the defendant's behalf, his solicitor, Lewis Pearson, told the court.

Read next:

Man in court charged with murder of Northumbria University student

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