A MAN who admitted killing a Sunderland schoolboy 23 years ago will stand trial in October.
Steven Grieveson accepts he was responsible for the death of 14-year-old Simon Martin in 1990 but has pleaded not guilty to his murder.
The teenager’s body was found in a derelict building in Sunderland.
Newcastle Crown Court heard yesterday Grieveson’s defence team are in the process of having psychological and psychiatric reports prepared in his case.
Due to the time required to obtain the reports the trial, which had been due to start in June, has been put back by four months.
Grieveson, who appeared via videolink to HMP Frankland, spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood what had happened during the short hearing.
The 42-year-old, formerly of Roker Avenue, Sunderland, was remanded in custody.
Judge James Goss QC told Grieveson: “Matters are progressing but by reason of the investigations that are sought on your behalf in relation to you, this trial cannot take place as was originally envisaged in the summer.
“The trial will have to go back to Monday October 14.
“The trial will proceed on that day and I extend the custody time limits in respect of this matter.”