Blackpool murder accused appear before Preston Crown Court

Kris Kam, 35, died after suffering several knife wounds to his upper leg

Police and paramedics were called around 11.15am on Saturday, October 26, to reports a man had been assaulted in Queen Victoria Road, Blackpool.

Mr Kam was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for treatment but died on Sunday October 27.

Christopher Carrington, 26, of no fixed address, and Shaquille Cumberbatch, 27, of Montrose Avenue, Edgware, London appeared in the dock, while

Kevin Gracia, 26, of Hilltop Avenue, London, and Munochismo Eriken, 28, of South Green, London, appeared by video link from prison.

All deny murder and have been remanded to appear at Preston Crown Court on October 12 for their trial.

The Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham, told the court work will be carried out on September 28 to insert screens in the jury box, freeing up other area of the court for counsel to safely social distance while the trial takes place.

In a bid to further maintain safe distancing, junior counsel are expected to be connected remotely through a video link from an 'annexe' court room.

(proceeding)