‘Psycho’ remanded over student’s murder

Kiaran Stapleton, 20, from Ordsall, Salford, replied “Psycho Stapleton” when asked to give his name at City of Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Stapleton appeared at Manchester Crown Court via video-link and was again remanded in custody until his next scheduled appearance on March 20. He was arrested last Thursday and charged with Mr Bidve’s murder on Sunday.

Mr Bidve, 23, described as a “promising and clever” student, was shot once in the head at about 1.30am on December 26. He died later in hospital.

In a hearing lasting less than 10 minutes, Stapleton stared ahead impassively throughout. When he appeared on screen from HMP Manchester, the clerk asked him: “Are you Kiaran Stapleton?” He replied: “Yes”.

Judge Michael Henshell remanded him in custody until his plea and case management hearing – again by videolink – on March 20. A trial date was provisionally fixed for June 25.

Three others have been bailed until March pending further inquiries.

A fourth man, aged 19, had his bail cancelled.