A MURDER trial centred around the death of a popular Kurdish man in Colchester has been delayed by three months.

Rakar Rahimi, 22, has been charged with murder as detectives continue to probe the death of Bako Azad Sheikha in the Hythe.

Rahimi, who has been in police custody since the night of the incident on September 12 last year, denies the allegation.

Essex Police launched an investigation after Bako, 23, was fatally injured in Distillery Lane at about 2am.

Gazette: Much loved - Bako Azad, left, with his brother ZankoMuch loved - Bako Azad, left, with his brother Zanko (Image: Newsquest)

An inquest heard Bako died from a stab wound to the heart.

Rahimi was due to face a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court today but the Gazette has now been told it is not ready.

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A new date has been fixed for June 5, representing a delay of almost 100 days.

It comes despite the prosecutor in the case, Andrew Jackson, stating the Crown Prosecution Service’s case was “almost complete” on February 3.

Gazette: Investigation - forensics officers at the sceneInvestigation - forensics officers at the scene (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Popular - Bako Azad SheikhaPopular - Bako Azad Sheikha (Image: Newsquest)

The trial is estimated to last up to ten days when it commences.

Bako, who arrived in the UK as a youngster from Iraq, was described as a “real smiler” by those who knew him.

A series of shops within the Kurdish community remained closed in Colchester for a short period as a gesture of respect after the news of his death broke.

Essex Coroner’s Court heard the incident involving Bako, who lived in Colchester, had been witnessed by residents.

Gazette: Murder probe - the incident shocked the communityMurder probe - the incident shocked the community (Image: Newsquest)

When they approached him, he was found lying unresponsive, fully-clothed, in the road with a stab wound to his chest.

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