Murder accused 'requires third doctor's opinion' after savage Headingley stabbing
A homeless man accused of stabbing a man to death in Leeds is to undergo further assessment to determine if he is fit to stand trial.
Eljon Markaj is charged with killing 26-year-old Elsiado Marku in Headingley in August.
Markaj, who is being held in custody, has been seen by two doctors so far, and during a brief hearing at Leeds Crown Court this week it was heard that a third psychiatric assessment is to take place later this month.
Markaj, 31, is yet to enter a plea after concerns were raised over his mental state.
A five-day trial date has already been set for March 9 next year, but it remains uncertain whether the Albanian defendant will be able to participate.
Should he be deemed unfit to take part, a trial of fact will be held will be held whereby a jury will listen to the prosecution and defence counsels’ case.
The defendant cannot be found guilty or not guilty, but the jury will decide whether he was responsible for the killing.
Markaj, of no fixed address, is to be assessed on November 21, and a further hearing has been arranged for January 6 to discuss the outcome.
Markaj remains in custody.
Police were called to Cardigan Road, Headingley, shortly before 4.30pm on Friday, August 29, to reports that a man had been stabbed.
Mr Marku was found and pronounced dead at the scene.
Forensic officers were seen outside the property in the hours after the discovery and a scene-of-crime tent was erected.