Man accused of brother's murder appears before court

A man accused of the murder of his brother faces trial in December.

Samuel Campbell was found with serious injuries, consistent with a stabbing, when police were called to Park Avenue in Silksworth, Sunderland shortly after 1am on Friday, June 18.

Despite attempts to save him, the 24-year-old died at the scene.

Samuel's brother William, of Allen Court, Stokesley, North Yorkshire, was arrested at the scene and his been charged with his sibling's murder.

The 25-year-old appeared at Newcastle Crown Court this morning and was not asked to enter a plea to the murder charge.

He spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear the proceedings.

Judge Paul Sloan QC said a plea hearing will be held next month and listed the case for trial in December.

Judge Sloan told Campbell: "I am adjourning your case to a further pre-trial hearing, which will be listed on July 19.

"You will attend on that occasion as you have today, via live link from Durham Prison.

"You will be remanded in custody pending that further pre-trial hearing.

"I have also fixed your trial date, which will be December 13 this year."

Neighbours paid tribute to Samuel in the wake of his death describing him as a ‘nice lad’.

The 24-year-old worked at Gatsbys bar in Sunderland city centre and the bar paid tribute to their employee in a social media post.

Sam was described as an “exemplary member of the team”.

The post said: "We are all laden with grief that Sam won’t be behind the bar to bring us the laughter and happiness he so often did.

"We will miss this unreserved gentleman so much.”