Man could stand trial this summer over Wakefield-village Christmas killing
A man could stand trial this summer following the killing of a pensioner at Christmas.
Hamza Shafique appeared at Leeds Crown Court this morning but is yet to be arraigned, having been charged with the manslaughter of 72-year-old Stephen Jedynak.
Shafique, 27, of Maidstone Street, Bradford, could stand trial on June 29.
He was remanded back into custody and will appear again on April 28 for a plea and trial preparation hearing, when he will be expected to enter a plea.
If he denies the killing, the trial would be expected to last around five days. If he pleads guilty, a date will then be set for his sentencing hearing.
Mr Jedynak was taken to hospital on Christmas Eve after the ambulance service attended at his home in Crofton following a report of concern for his welfare.
He was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead three days later.
The death was referred to West Yorkshire Police by the Coroner’s Office and detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team launched a murder investigation.
It was thought Mr Jedynak had been assaulted on Thorntree Court, Crofton, on Tuesday, December 23.
Police announced on January 10 that Shafique had been charged with manslaughter.
Three other men, aged 23, 26 and 32, who were also arrested as part of the investigation have been released on bail pending further enquiries.