James Cromwell murder trial begins

The Crown court trial of a Cambridge man accused of murdering James Cromwell has begun.

Abdul Korim Ali, 25, of Darwin Drive, Cambridge, is accused of murdering Mr Cromwell, of Lady Margaret Road. He died of injuries after being stabbed on Stretten Avenue in Arbury on June 30 last year.

The 27-year-old was taken to Addenbrooke’s but later died in hospital despite the best efforts of doctors and paramedics.

Family and friends paid tribute to Mr Cromwell by leaving cards, flowers and handwritten tributes near the spot where he was fatally wounded.

Korim Ali is also charged with one count of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice by contacting a witness to unlawfully intimidate them.

He appeared at Cambridge Crown Court wearing a navy blue suit and black shirt alongside Abdul Salam Ali. Salam Ali, also of Darwin Drive, is charged with one count of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice by contacting a witness to unlawfully intimidate them, unauthorised transmission of an image or sound from inside a prison, and one count of intimidating a witness.

On the first day of the trial the jury was sworn in and legal discussions were held ahead of the prosecution and defence putting forward their arguments tomorrow (Wednesday January 3).

Judge David Farrell QC will preside over the case.

The trial continues.