Five men accused of murdering Wolverhampton man Neo Graham appear in court ahead of major trial
The five men accused of murdering Neo Graham in Wolverhampton earlier this year have appeared in court ahead of a major trial next year.
Mr Graham, aged 24, was gunned down in broad daylight at 3.20pm on March 3 and died at the scene near Horseley Fields.
In subsequent days West Midlands Police arrested Koketso Ximb, aged 22 of Montano Drive Wolverhampton; Aaron Osei, aged 22, of South Road, Birmingham; Elie Mey, aged 24, of Inkerman Street, Wolverhampton; Fabio Bandarrinha, aged 20, of Powell Street, Wolverhampton and Deric Da Silva Ferreria, aged 19 of Fifth Avenue, Wolverhampton.
They all deny conspiracy to commit murder; possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a firearm for self gain; possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate and possessing a controlled drug with intent to supply and possession of criminal property relating to money.
Yesterday (Monday, September 1) appearing, via video link from HMP Hewell and Brinsford Young Offenders Institution, at Wolverhampton Crown Court, the case against the five men was discussed by prosecution and defence barristers.
The trial will start on February 16, next year, and will be one of the biggest in recent years.
All five were previously remanded in custody by Judge Michael Chambers KC who presided over the short hearing yesterday.
Almost 200 people came together to attend a vigil and balloon release held in tribute to Mr Graham at the scene of the fatal shooting near Horseley Fields. In a tribute, released by his family praised Mr Graham as "a loving, caring, family-oriented person who was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend."
