Two men deny murder of man, 20, stabbed to death

Two men have appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to murdering a 20-year-old man in Staffordshire.

Jamie Evans, from Stone, died in hospital after being injured from a single stab wound in Newcastle-under-Lyme on 4 September, Staffordshire Police said.

Corey Hughes, 20, and Connor Cartlidge, 23, both from Newcastle-under-Lyme, appeared at Stoke-on-Trent crown Court earlier and pleaded not guilty.

The pair, who were remanded in custody, are due to go on trial on 1 February 2027.

As well as being accused of murder, Hughes was also charged with possession of a sharp pointed article in a public place.

Evans' funeral was held in October, where his coffin was carried in to the service accompanied by the song Soul Limbo, best known as the theme tune for the BBC's cricket coverage - a reference to his passion for the sport.

Hi family said he had a keen interest in food and nutrition and could often be found in the kitchen or teaching his niece about food.

The young man also played for his local football team in Stone before taking up cricket alongside his father and going on to represent his county

He was described as a "wonderful uncle" by his sister, and mourners heard how he had been working towards becoming a personal trainer.

"We will miss you for the rest of our lives and love you for all eternity," his family said.

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