Murder trial for man,76, over taxi driver shooting

A 76-year-old man will go on trial for murder over the shooting of a taxi driver, more than 17 years ago.

The victim, father-of-four Harun Khan, was shot outside his home in Tudor Street, Tipton, during the evening of 3 March 2008 and died in hospital a short while later.

David Harrison, from Bilston, is being held at HMP Frankland in County Durham. He chose not to appear by prison video-link for a plea hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, so it went ahead in his absence.

A trial expected to last three weeks is set to begin on 16 November.

Harrison was charged with murder in December last year, in connection with the death of the 39-year-old taxi driver.

The murder-accused has also been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following a shooting of a 27-year-old man on 14 December 2007 in Farthings Lane, Dudley, and two counts of possessing a firearm.

Judge Michael Chambers KC told prosecution counsel Michael Burrows KC and defence barrister Michael Duck KC that a further trial preparation hearing will take place on 10 April.

The judge said of Harrison's absence from the hearing: "The simple course is that a not guilty plea be entered but given the seriousness of the case I think I ought to give the defence an opportunity to try and see Mr Harrison.

"The case stands adjourned and the defendant remains in custody in relation to this matter."

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