A man accused of murdering a woman who was stabbed in the neck in Birmingham could face a trial in May.

Djeison Rafael appeared at Birmingham Crown Court via video link from HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, accused of murdering 34-year-old Katie Fox, who was stabbed on Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm on November 7.

Wearing a grey jumper, Rafael, 21, spoke only to confirm his name during the 15-minute hearing in front of Judge Simon Drew KC.

He sat forward during the hearing, getting up briefly at one point before returning to his seat.

Prosecution counsel Michael Brady KC said the trial, expected to last two weeks, would be heard in front of a high court judge, and a date was set for May 5.

The court heard psychiatric reports would need to be gathered before the trial begins

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