Garforth bus-stop murder accused could stand trial in April, but still no pleas entered
A man accused of murdering a pensioner at a bus stop could stand trial in the spring, but he is still yet to enter pleas.
Thomas Childe appeared at Leeds Crown Court again this week to be arraigned, but no indictment was put to him for a second consecutive plea hearing.
He has been charged with killing of 79-year-old Colin Starbuck in Garforth, next to the town’s larger Tesco store, in October.
The 23-year-old appeared over a video link from HMP Leeds where he is being held on remand.
Judge Simon Phillips KC said it was an “unusual situation” with the court still waiting on pathologist reports.
However, a preliminary trial date has been identified of April 21, 2026. It would be expected to last around two weeks, should it proceed.
Childe, of Oak Crescent, Garforth, was remanded back into custody and will appear again on March 2 where it is hoped an indictment will be put to him and he will either plead guilty or not-guilty.
Police were called by the ambulance service at 6.35pm on October 29 to reports that a man had been found seriously injured at the bus stop on Aberford Road in Garforth.
Members of the public had tried to help before ambulance crews arrived.
Mr Starbuck was taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead.
An 18-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of murder following the reported assault at the bus stop. Childe was later arrested and charged.
The teenager was bailed pending further inquiries.