FOUR defendants accused of murder must wait to enter a plea after a judge adjourned their case due to technical problems.

The body of 26-year-old Lee McKnight was discovered just before 5.30am on July 24 in the River Caldew, in the Blackwell Hall area, near Cummersdale, just outside Carlisle.

Detectives investigating the case subsequently launched a murder investigation and made a flurry of arrests. Four defendants, all from Carlisle, appeared before the city's crown court yesterday for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

However, technical problems meant barristers were unable to share evidence and Judge Nicholas Dean QC adjourned the case until October 12.

The four accused of murder are Jamie Davison, 26, of Beverley Rise, Carol Diane Edgar, 46, Coral Edgar, 26, both of Charles Street, and Paul Roberts, 50, of Grey Street.

A 17-year-old, who can't be named for legal reasons, is accused of assisting an offender. Janice Edgar, 40, of Dale End Road, stands accused of assisting in the disposal of a body.

Janice Edgar also stands accused of being in possession of the class A drug diamorphine with intent to supply on July 27.

She is also accused of being in possession of the class C drugs Pregabalin and Diazepam on July 24.

The case was adjourned for four weeks, "to allow material to be uploaded and it would allow for certain other developments," explained Judge Dean.

The judge explained how technical issues with case material meant pleas could not properly be entered by any of the accused.

Judge Dean explained how detectives had conducted "extensive enquiries" in this case, including gathering CCTV evidence and carrying out telephone enquiries.

All of the adult defendants were remanded in custody, with the 17-year-old granted unconditional bail.

"This hearing will be adjourned until October 12 at Preston Crown Court, provided there is judge availability," Judge Dean told the court.

A provisional trial date has been set for May 4.