Two men have denied murdering John Cingelis and maliciously wounding Barry Cartwright.

Alfonso Bitton and Blair Dixon appeared before Carlisle Crown Court yesterday morning.

Both Bitton, of Eldon Drive in Carlisle, and Blair Dixon, of Welsh Road also in Carlisle, deny murdering John Cingelis, 37, of Brantwood Avenue in the Harraby area of the city, on April 12.

Dixon and Bitton, both 25, also deny maliciously wounding Barry Cartwright on the same day.

Bitton also denies the unlawful possession of a kitchen knife on April 12.

“There is a good and sufficient case for the extension by effectively one month until November 13,” Judge Denis Watson told the court as he extended the custody time limit of the defendants.

“The circumstances around the Covid-19 pandemic make it difficult engaging in jury trials,” he said.

Dixon appeared in court in person, while his co-accused appeared via a video link from Durham Prison.

Judge Watson told the court: “I extend the custody time limit until November 13.

“You are in custody awaiting trial on a charge of murder and other charges.

“The custody time limit expires on October 13. The prosecution submit there is good and sufficient cause for an extension to the effect of one month to November 13.

This means both defendants can remain lawfully detained prior to their trial.

Dixon is excused from attending the October 23 hearing, with Bitton to appear via video link.

“You are both remanded in custody, that is the end of the hearing,” Judge Watson told the defendants.

The trial is scheduled to start on November 13.

The next stage of the case will be held on September 28. Stage four will be held on October 19.