Former Leeds United striker Mallik Wilks' trial over West Indian Carnival stabbing likely to be postponed for another year

Wilks was due to go on trial at Leeds Crown Court today accused of violent disorder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The charges relate to an incident at Leeds West Indian Carnival in August 2017 in which a man suffered serious injuries.

The case cannot go ahead as jury trials are yet to resume in Leeds since they were halted in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.Wilks, now a striker with Hull City, appeared before the court today for a hearing to re-fix a new trial date.

The court heard the earliest available trial date is June 21 next year.

An expected date for the trial was identified as June 23 but will need to be confirmed at a further hearing.

Walks' trial is expected to last between five and seven days.

Wilks' barrister, James Lake, said it was the second time his client's trial had been postponed.

He had initially been due to go on trial on July 1, 2019, but the case was adjourned until today's date.

Mr Lake said that date had been agreed between the prosecution and defence as it was expected to be in the off-season for professional football.

Mr Lake said the further delay will mean his client waiting almost four years from the date of the alleged offences to the trial.

Wilks, 21, of Austhorpe Lane, Crossgates, Leeds, was granted unconditional bail.

At a magistrates court hearing in October 2018, prosecutor Maggie Cavanagh said the assault charge arises out of the "carnival in Chapeltown" in which a man sustained "quite serious injuries".

The violent disorder was linked to the same incident which involved "group violence" and the use of weapons.

She added: "There were serious injuries caused."

Outlining the violent disorder offence, the court clerk said it is alleged that, at Chapeltown Road, on August 28, 2017, Wilks "used or threatened unlawful violence and...as such would cause a person of reasonable firmness to fear for his or her safety."

The assault occasioning actual bodily harm offence is alleged to have taken place on the same date.

The court heard CCTV footage is to be used as evidence in the case.

Leeds United issued a statement after the magistrates court hearing, saying: “Leeds United are aware of the criminal charges received by Mallik Wilks following an incident which occurred in August 2017.

“Mallik has vehemently and consistently maintained his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to those charges."

The teenager made his debut for Leeds United against Sutton United in the FA Cup on January 27, 2017.

Wilks has also had loan spells at Doncaster Rovers, Accrington Stanley and Grimsby Town during his time with the Elland Road Club.

Wilks then joined Barnsley before moving to Hull City on a loan deal in February this year.

Last week it was announced Wilks had signed a two-year permanent deal with Hull.