STUART HAZELL - the man accused of murdering schoolgirl Tia Sharp - will not be tried until May 2013.
A judge at the Old Bailey today ruled the boyfriend of Tia's grandmother, from New Addington, cannot answer to the charge until next year.
The 37-year-old, of The Lindens, is expected to enter a plea on March 8, with Mr Justice Fulford fixing a trial date of May 7.
Hazell, who was charged with the 12-year-old schoolgirl's murder in August after her body was found in the loft of the home he shared with Tia's grandmother, Christine, did not attend the hearing.
News of the trial date comes just days after Christine was re-bailed for a third time after being arrested on suspicion of murder in August. She has been re-bailed along with neighbour Paul Meehan, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Their bail has been extended until December.
A judge at the Old Bailey today ruled the boyfriend of Tia's grandmother, from New Addington, cannot answer to the charge until next year.
The 37-year-old, of The Lindens, is expected to enter a plea on March 8, with Mr Justice Fulford fixing a trial date of May 7.
Hazell, who was charged with the 12-year-old schoolgirl's murder in August after her body was found in the loft of the home he shared with Tia's grandmother, Christine, did not attend the hearing.
News of the trial date comes just days after Christine was re-bailed for a third time after being arrested on suspicion of murder in August. She has been re-bailed along with neighbour Paul Meehan, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Their bail has been extended until December.
