THREE young men accused of the murder of a man at a New Year’s Party could face a trial in the autumn.

The body of 24-year-old Billy Henham was found in a derelict squat in North Street, Brighton in January 2020.

Police were called in to cordon off the premises and launched a murder inquiry, Operation Gatling.

Now three men appeared at Lewes Crown Court for a preliminary hearing before Her Honour Judge Christine Laing QC.

They are accused of the murder of Billy on January 1, 2020.

Alize Spence, 18, Gregory Hawley, 28, and Lamech Gordon-Carew, 19, appeared via video link for the hearing.

Members of Mr Henham’s family were also present in court.

Maryam Syed represented the Crown Prosecution Service.

Barrister Salma Lalani represented Gordon-Carew, of Cheeseman Close, Hampton, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Ravi Dogra appeared on behalf of Hawley, of no fixed address, while Andrew Bishop represented Spence, of Makepeace Road, Ealing.

The barristers discussed whether to have the trial in November or in January next year.

Judge Laing QC said the provisional trial date was for November 22 this year. It is expected to last for four weeks.

The three men accused will be back in court on July 19 where the judge told them they are expected to formally enter their pleas to the charge.

A fourth suspect, 27-year-old Dushane Meikle remains at large, and police and Crimestoppers have offered a £10,000 reward for information which leads to his capture.