Vasile Culea trial for Langwith Junction murder delayed by barrister strike

Culea, aged 33, has denied murdering Mrs Walker and the attempted murder of her husband Kenneth, 88.

Mrs Walker died during an attack at a house on Station Road on January 15.

Her husband Kenneth sustained ‘life-threatening’ injuries and died months later, in August.

Derby Crown Court heard today that Culea’s trial, which had been expected to start on October 4, would be put back a week until October 10.

Michael Auty KC, addressing Mr Justice Andrew Henshaw, said: “The trial date was set as long go as January this year.

“There is a family grieving here who require closure – there’s also a obvious public interest in the case being heard sooner rather than later.”

The court heard news was expected over a new ballot for further strike action within the next few days.

Mr Justice Henshaw ordered the trial be re-listed to begin on October 10.