Two people accused of murdering a neighbour in an alleged street attack in Brunswick Village have pleaded not guilty. Sarah Shorter, 40, and Alan Richards, 43, appeared in court via video-link from prison and denied killing Douglas Moffat, 56, on Drysdale Crescent, Newcastle, on September 9.
Denials and charges
Shorter, wearing a white T-shirt, also denied the attempted murder of Sharon Watson on the same date. Additionally, she pleaded not guilty to possessing an article with a blade or point, namely a cutting knife, on Drysdale Crescent. Richards, wearing a blue T-shirt, denied possessing a knife at the same location and date.
Both defendants, of Drysdale Crescent, were further remanded in custody. Judge Penny Moreland scheduled two pre-trial hearings, in December and February, to ensure readiness for the trial.
Trial date and background
The pair will stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court on March 8 next year, with a 12-day time estimate. Police were called to reports of a disturbance on Drysdale Crescent at 10.50pm on Wednesday September 9. Douglas, also of Drysdale Crescent, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A woman in her 50s was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the incident and later discharged. Detective Inspector Barry McAtominey, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team, said previously: "We continue to offer support to the victim’s family at this time. Now that two people who have been charged in relation to our investigation, we would ask that members of the public avoid speculation – both online and in the community – and respect the ongoing legal process."
