THE trial of a couple accused of murdering schoolboy Alfie Steele has been delayed.
Carla Scott, 34, and Dirk Howell, 39, are accused of the murder of Alfie following his death at a house in Droitwich on February 18 last year.
The nine-year-old died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, after he had been airlifted.
Scott and Howell both deny murder and causing or allowing the death of a child in relation to Alfie Steele.
Scott also faces a charge of cruelty towards Alfie - a person aged under 16 - between July 13, 2019 and February 18, 2021.
The trial had been expected to begin on Thursday, (October 13).
But when the case was called on in a packed courtroom at Worcester Crown Court it quickly became apparent the trial would not be able to proceed as an issue had arisen.
Mark Heywood, prosecuting, said further medical evidence needed to be investigated ahead of the trial, asking for an adjournment.
High Court judge the Honorary Mrs Justice May granted the adjournment and extended Scott and Howell's custody time limits.
A new trial date was set for January 12 next year at Coventry Crown Court.
A pre-trial preparation hearing was set, when the judge will hear if the trial is on track, which has been scheduled for Friday, November 25.
Rachel Brand KC defended Scott, Alisdair Williamson defending Howell during the hearing.
Scott was wearing a black and while striped top in court, Howell a black tracksuit - the pair speaking only to confirm their names and how long they had been in custody when they appeared in the dock of Courtroom One.
Following the death Alfie’s grandad, Paul Scott, spoke of his smile that would melt butter and his inquisitive nature.
The grandad said: “We are completely devastated by the loss of Alfie, he had a smile that would melt butter.
READ MORE: Man stole more than £4,000 worth of items from Upton Baptist Church on his birthday
READ MORE: Man alleged to have used uncle's stolen bank card appears in court
"He was intelligent and inquisitive, and was courageous like a lion; he was a good Christian boy who was full of God.”
Flowers, candles, teddies, cards and balloons with handwritten messages of love and of grief were also laid on a table outside the house in Copcut, Droitwich, in the days after his death.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article