A MAN accused of killing a Coventry-based web designer during an incident outside a Leamington bar will not stand trial under some time early next year.
Vijay Masih pleaded not guilty at Warwick Crown Court to a charge of manslaughter.
It is alleged the 30 year-old, of Brook Road, Willenhall, near Wolverhampton, unlawfully killed Robert Bavington on April 10.
The tragic death is said to have resulted from a confrontation between two groups outside Moo Bar in Russell Street, Leamington, in the early hours of that Sunday morning.
It is believed that during the incident 28-year-old Mr Bavington, who was known to his friends as Rob or ‘Bav,’ was struck and fell, hitting his head.
Mr Bavington, who lived in Rugby and was the managing director of web design and digital marketing company Fly Full Circle, based in Fargo Village, Coventry, suffered severe head injuries.
He was rushed by ambulance to hospital, but died from his injuries shortly afterwards.
Prosecutor Robert Price said that all the prosecution papers would be served on the defence and the court by the end of June, in preparation for a trial which is expected to last for six or more days.
But Judge Richard Griffith-Jones pointed out: “It can’t be fixed, but it’s likely to be in February or March next year, once other things have been put into place.”
He commented that ‘this is the only time that full credit is available’ for a guilty plea.
Amanda O’Hara, defending, said she had discussed that aspect with Masih before he entered his not guilty plea.
Miss O’Mara applied for Masih’s bail to continue, but asked for the hours of a curfew he is subject to as part of his bail conditions to be amended from 7am to 6.30 because of the time he starts work.
The judge agreed, and Masih was granted bail with conditions that he lives at his home address, reports to a police station twice a week, does not enter Leamington except to attend court, and complies with the curfew from 7pm to 6.30am.
Judge Griffith-Jones warned him: “It is really important that you understand you have to attend your trial.
“If you don’t, the trial could continue in your absence, and even if you were to be acquitted, you could still end up in prison for the Bail Act offence.”
