A TRIAL into the alleged murder of a man in Didcot has been hit by a four-month delay.

Three teenagers are all accused of killing Darren 'Dizzy' MacCormick, who was stabbed to death in Mendip Heights, Didcot.

They are also charged with two counts of wounding with intent, inflicted upon two other men aged in their twenties and thirties.

Prosecutors say that the violence all took place in the early hours of January 9 this year.

Two of the accused men - Isaac Boyland, 19, of Marlborough Road, Oxford, and Brookton Lagan, also 19, of Robin Way, Didcot, appeared via videolink at Oxford Crown Court today.

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A third man, who is also charged with murder, Taison Cyrille, 18, of Market End Way, Bicester, did not attend the brief pre-trial hearing.

A trial date for the case had first been pencilled in and set to begin on June 15.

However, last month presiding Judge Ian Pringle QC warned there was only a 'remote possibility' the fixture would go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic and with most jury trials on hold.

The same judge said today that Oxford hosting the trial next month was 'way beyond us' in light of the strict Covid-19 social distancing measures.

Agreeing to delay the case he said: "Steps are trying to be taken and they need a large amount of planning so that we might be able to hold at least one trial in this court centre in July.

"But to hold a three-handed murder trial is at [this] stage way beyond us."

He said that the pandemic was a 'sufficient cause' to extend the custody time limits for the three men and to push the start of the trial to a later date.

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The trial was adjourned for a fixture to be held at the same court on October 26 this year.

That trial was given a time estimate of between four and six weeks.

All three men were remanded in custody to await that hearing.

The allegation of murder relates to an incident said to have taken place in Mendip Heights during an altercation on January 9 at about 3.46am.

Darren MacCormick was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital following the incident but died at 4.56am from a stab wound.

Mr MacCormick had been working at a window fitting company in Didcot.

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After his death his three children, brothers, sisters, parents and friends all paid tribute to the 'life of the party', a 'free-spirited, happy-go-lucky and funny guy.'

His mum has also released a tribute to her 'caring' son, who was in the process of getting his own house and looking forward to having his children to stay more often.

One tribute, from his brother Wayne, said: “An amazing brother with a big heart, leaving so many funny childhood memories.

"The things we did as brothers do, and one of the funniest days working together just before Christmas, non-stop laughing.

"An amazing uncle to my children, leaving them with so many great times and memories with you.

"Love you brother, Wayne."