Man charged with murder of Whitehaven 24-year-old to go on trial next year

A man charged with the murder of a 24-year-old man from Whitehaven is set to face a trial next year.

Aaron Ray, 21, of Mayfield Road, Sunderland, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today, Tuesday, October 4, charged with the man’s murder, who was a student at Northumbria University living in Newcastle.

The man was found dead on Tuesday September 27 after police were called to reports of concern for the welfare of the 24-year-old at the Mansion Tyne student accommodation block near Newcastle city centre. The murder investigation was launched after his discovery.

He has yet to be formally identified, but it is understood he is from Whitehaven.

Ray who appeared via a live video link from prison, was not asked to enter a plea.

The pre-trial preparation hearing for the case was adjourned to Friday October 28 with an initial date set for the trial of March 14 2023.