‘Most wanted’ fugitive to face jury
An alleged killer who was on the UK’s ‘most wanted’ list will stand trial for the shooting of a drug dealer next month.
Calvin Halpin, 27, is accused of murdering father-of-two Luke Graham, 31, in a drugs turf war ambush in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, as children played nearby, in June 2018.
Halpin was arrested in Portugal on 2 May and extradited to the UK.
He did not appear at the Old Bailey today (tues) as Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb set his trial date for 23 January at Manchester Crown Court.
The NCA added Halpin to the UK’s ‘Most Wanted’ list earlier this year.
Detective Inspector Lee Barrow of Greater Manchester Police earlier said: ‘News of Callum Halpin’s arrest is an important development in our investigation and we will work closely with the NCA and other relevant international agencies to bring him back to Greater Manchester and continue our pursuit of justice for Luke’s family.
‘Halpin has been on the run since Luke was fatally shot on that tragic day nearly four years ago and it has been our intention ever since to ensure all those suspected of being responsible for his death are caught and prosecuted.
Halpin, of Openshaw, Manchester, denies murder and wounding another man, Anton Verigotta, with intent.
