A 26-year-old man accused of murdering his two flatmates who were found dead in their home above a Shropshire chip shop will stand trial later this year, a judge has decided today.

Sukhdev Singh, who is accused of murdering Jaswant Singh Bajwa, 30, and 31-year-old Kulwant Singh Dodar, today appeared before Stafford Crown Court.

Singh, who denies murdering the two men between December 5 and December 8 last year,at Shawbury Fish Bar, spoke only to confirm his name through a Punjabi interpreter during today’s 15-minute hearing.

Mr Justice Sanders fixed a trial start for October 7.

Mr Richard Davenport, defending, told the court the Legal Services Commission had granted permission for a member of Singh’s legal team to fly to India to speak to his client’s family.

The court heard that the case faced a further delay due to the need for reports to be prepared.

The judge adjourned the case until July 31 for a further plea and directions hearing.

Mr Bajwa worked with Singh at the Shawbury Fish Bar, where the bodies were found. Mr Dodar worked at Moston Road Fish Bar, Harlescott, Shrewsbury.

The bodies of the two men were discovered on December 7 in the flat above the chip shop in Drayton Road, Shawbury.

Post mortem examinations revealed that the men had died of head injuries.

More than 100 police officers and support staff had been working on the inquiry

Singh, also known as Dave or Shera, was arrested in Smethwick five days later. He was remanded in custody until his plea and directions.