A man accused of fatally stabbing another in Barton has appeared in court.
Lewis Brown, 20, is said to have stabbed alleged victim Lee Butler in the chest on Bayswater Road, Barton, on Friday night. Mr Butler, 30s, died at the scene.
Appearing before Oxford Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, Brown, of Barton Village Road, entered no pleas to murder and possession of an offensive weapon – a knife – on Friday, October 8.
Brown, who was wearing a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth. The hearing lasted two minutes and 55 seconds.
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear before Reading Crown Court on Wednesday.
Chairman of the bench Helen Robins said: “You are here on two charges, one of murder and the other of possessing an offensive weapon. These offences are so serious they can only be dealt with in the crown court and you will be sent for a hearing to Reading on October 13; that is this Wednesday.”
Brown, who waved an acknowledgement to the public gallery before being taken down from the dock, was represented by Fadi Daoud.
In the wake of Friday night’s stabbing, police sought to reassure residents.
Det Insp Nick Hind of Thames Valley’s major crime team said: “I understand that this incident will cause great concern in the local community, but at this early stage of the investigation, I believe that the victim and offender were known to each other, and I do not believe there to be a wider threat to the local community.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure people that we have launched a thorough investigation to identify and arrest those responsible.”
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