A JUDGE has set a date for the trial of a man accused of the murder of Stephen Cook in Exeter last Saturday.

Brian Jewell, aged 19, of no fixed abode, was not asked to enter a plea during a short hearing at Exeter Crown Court at which he appeared by video link from Exeter Prison and Judge Robert Linford appeared by video link from Truro Crown Court.

The judge set a timetable for the case in which Jewell will return to Exeter Crown Court to enter a plea on March 10 and will face trial on July 24.

Jewell, who was originally said to be from Christchurch, Dorset, is accused of murdering Stephen Cook in Sidwell Street, Exeter, on January 28, 2023.

Miss Emma Martin, defending, did not apply for bail and Jewell was remanded in custody by Judge Linford.

Three other people who were arrested on Saturday have since been released without charge. They were a 19-year-old man and 29-year-old woman from Exeter and a 32-year-old from Exmouth.

Police are still appealing for any information about the fatal stabbing of Mr Cook which happened outside a row of shops on the day after his 45th birthday.