'Small boat migrant' accused of murdering woman at train station with screwdriver REFUSES to appear in court
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GB NEWS
A South Sudanese "asylum seeker" accused of stabbing a British woman to death with a screwdriver at a train station has refused to appear for his first hearing in court.
Deng Chol Majek, 18, has been charged with the murder of Rhiannon Skye Whyte, 27, at Bescot Stadium station in Walsall last month.
Whyte died in hospital on October 23 - with her family calling her "the most loved daughter, compassionate sister, loving auntie, gracious granddaughter, beautiful niece, wonderful cousin and devoted friend" in a statement after her death.
Though suspected small boat migrant Chol Majek was expected to enter his pleas at Wolverhampton Crown Court via video-call from HMP Manchester, he refused to attend the hearing.
Rhiannon Skye Whyte was stabbed to death at Bescot Stadium station in Walsall by the 18-year-old South Sudanese national
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Charlie Crinion, defending, said the teenager had refused to speak to him through an interpreter before the hearing as he did not know who he was.
Judge Michael Chambers KC said he would proceed with the case as if the defendant was contesting the charges.
The prosecution says the trial, earmarked for April, is expected to last between five and seven days.
Chambers told Crinion it was important he had a "proper conference" with Chol Majek in order that the alleged small boat migrant has "full confidence" in his representation.
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Chol Majek failed to appear via video-call at Wolverhampton Crown Court
PA
The next hearing has been set for 13 December.
Whyte's family said her death was a "devastating loss" as they described her as "the most selfless person".
Their statement added: "You were brave, quirky, funny and always there for anyone who needed it. There is not enough paper in the world to even begin to write a tribute for you, but no one deserves it more.
"The weird thing about this devastating loss is that we now need to navigate life without you, but how?
Latest figures from the Home Office place South Sudan at 14th in the most common nationality of illegal migrants arriving in the UK by small boats
PA
"If your short life will teach anything, it's to cherish each moment with those you love as tomorrow is never guaranteed.
"You are so strong, a fighter and no matter what happens, we as a family will always be united for you. We will love and miss you for now, for always and forever."
Latest figures from the Home Office place South Sudan at 14th in the most common nationality of illegal migrants arriving in the UK by small boats.
Since 2020, 602 South Sudanese nationals have arrived in Britain from across the English Channel - with 121 of those arriving between January and June this year alone.
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