Why trial of man accused of murdering Chesterfield soldier has been delayed

Connor Rose, 24, of no fixed abode, was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon following the death of Joseph Robotham in February.

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Rose, who denies murder but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, had been due to appear at Derby Crown Court on Monday for the start of his trial.

However, the pandemic has led to all trials at the court being suspended, meaning Rose will now be tried for murder in January, 2021.

Mr Robotham, of Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, died at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital on February 9 after an incident outside Vibe bar in Holywell Street, Chesterfield, during the early hours of February 8.

The 23-year-old engineer served in the 1st Battalion of the Mercian Regiment for four years and had completed exercises in Canada, Lithuania and Oman.

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