A 37-year-old man has appeared in court in Derby to deny murder. Lee Young pleaded not guilty to the single charge when he appeared at Derby Crown Court.
His defence barrister, Clive Stockwell KC, told the short hearing that his client “accepts he is responsible for the death but it’s going to be a combination of self-defence and intent” when it comes to trial next spring.
A trial date of May 6, 2025, has already been set with an estimated duration of up to 10 days. Young is alleged to have murdered 62-year-old Shaun Harriman in Heanor on September 29. Derbyshire police were called to an address in Howitt Street just before 11.55am on Monday, September 30, to reports of a man who had been found dead. The man was later identified as Mr Harriman.
Remanding him to custody, Judge Shaun Smith KC told the defendant: “I am adjourning your case. You already know when the trial date is - it’s the sixth of May next year.”
At the time of the incident, Derbyshire police said Mr Harriman’s family had been made aware of his death and were being supported by specialist officers. Young, of no fixed address, was arrested on Monday, September 30, and was later charged with murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, who is leading the investigation, said: “I appreciate that incidents such as this are worrying to people living in the area but I’d like to reassure the public that those involved were known to each other and there is no wider risk.”
Derbyshire police have also appealed for anyone who has not yet come forward with information to do so.
