Trial date set for security guard stabbing suspect

A provisional trial date has been set for a man accused of stabbing a security guard to death at a shopping centre.

Police were called to Centre:MK in Milton Keynes at about 17:10 GMT on Saturday where security guard Gary Stanley, 52, died at the scene.

Rory Wilson, from Towcester, Northamptonshire, appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court via video link charged with murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

The 50-year-old was remanded in custody and a trial date was scheduled for 1 June.

Wilson, who was dressed in a bright green and yellow prison uniform and had a grey beard, spoke only to confirm his name to say he understood he needed to prepare his defence.

He appeared from Bullingdon Prison in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Stanley's family attended proceedings, including his partner and siblings.

The judge offered them his condolences and told them that the court proceedings may be difficult to hear.

This week, people have been signing a book of condolence at Centre:MK. Flowers and tributes have been left to the man who was known to some as "Big Stan".

A Centre:MK spokesperson has described him as a "well-loved presence in our community".

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