Court sets trial against Anjorin's murderer for February | The Guardian Nigeria News

The Central Criminal Court in London, also known as the Old Bailey, yesterday set February 3, 2025 for the trial of Marcus Monzo Arduini, the man charged with the horrific sword murder of Daniel Anjorin in Hainault, north-east London last week.

Judge Lucraft KC said this during the hearing, where the bearded Brazilian-Spanish suspect appeared subdued but anxious in the dock in his gray long-sleeved crew-neck sweater and sweatpants of the same color.

He was charged under his full name, Marcus Monzo Arduini, and was sandwiched between three court security guards during the brief hearing, which lasted about 15 minutes. He occasionally glanced left and right and also covered his mouth with his hand.

When asked to confirm his date of birth, the suspect appeared to hesitate but said, “Your date of birth is April 11, 1988.” The prosecution then continued with the arraignment, listing the seven charges on which he was in Courtroom 5 had been kidnapped.

According to the Crown, in the early hours of April 30, Arduini used the sword to attack 14-year-old Bancroft Schoolboy from behind for 20 minutes as he walked to school that morning.

“None of those who were attacked by the defendant knew him beforehand,” the prosecutor said. The court heard there was “sharp trauma to Daniel's head” which, along with the attack to the chest, led to the teenager's death.

Although Arduini's defense counsel, appearing via video link, raised no objection that he should not be granted bail, Judge Lucraft KC said he would not even consider the issue of bail for two reasons.

“Firstly because he will commit further offenses if released on bail and secondly for his own safety.” Lucraft said that if he is the one to attend the trial, “the earliest date is February 3, 2025 “, as there are still pending cases.

The judge also shared the Crown's position that the trial would last approximately three weeks. Before the adjournment, Lucraft addressed the defendant and said: “Mr Monzo, your next appearance in this court is on July 23 for a plea and case preparation hearing.”

“The trial date will be set by then and the court will probably also have the results of the 36-year-old’s psychological assessment,” said the judge.

The judge also noted that, as is customary, the defendant would not have to be physically present in court in July, but added that he could be present via video link from custody.