A TRIAL date has been set for a 16-year-old boy who is accused of the murder of a 21-year-old man who suffered fatal stab wounds in Bournemouth town centre.

Police were called to reports that a man had been stabbed outside Subway in Old Christchurch Road at around 4.45am on Saturday, March 12.

Tom Roberts was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition but, despite the efforts of medics, died a short time later.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with murder on Tuesday, March 15, and was remanded in custody at Poole Magistrates’ Court the following day.

Following a short hearing at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday, March 17, Judge Angela Morris set a trial date of October 4 for the boy. A plea and trial preparation hearing was also set for June 9.

Bournemouth Echo:

Remanding the defendant, who appeared by video link from Feltham Young Offender Institution, to remain in custody, Judge Morris told him: “The defendant will be required to attend this court on June 9, and on that day the charge will be put to him and he will be asked if he pleads guilty or not guilty.”

Mr Roberts' family and a nightclub where he often performed paid tribute to him earlier this week. He was a drum and bass DJ known as 'Nomad'.

His sister, Patti Roberts, said: "His future was going to be bright. He wanted to be a marine. He was in a beautiful relationship with his girlfriend and they were supposed to be going on holiday this week.

"He had so many people in his life that loved him. And now he's gone.”