A TRIAL date has been over the alleged hit-and-run murder of Blackburn mum Alison McBlain.

Dean Tarim Qayum and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared in the dock at Preston Crown Court this morning, while their co-accused Kaylib Connolly appeared over a video link from Preston Prison.

They spoke only to confirm their names and British nationalities.

As well as being accused of Miss McBlain’s murder Qayum, 20, of Patterdale Avenue, Blackburn, Connolly, 18, of Ivy Street, Blackburn, and the youth are also charged with the attempted murder of Christian Rivers.

All three will be asked to enter their pleas to both charges at a hearing in the same court on January 13.

No bail application was made and Judge Robert Altham remanded Qayum and Connolly back into custody until the next hearing. The youth was remanded to the council’s care.

A trial date has been set for May 26 and prosecutor Peter Barr said that is anticipated to last between three and five weeks.

An earlier hearing was told how Miss McBlain and Mr Rivers were hit by a car which mounted the pavement in King Street, Blackburn, at the junction of Pearson Street at about 8pm on November 19. Miss McBlain was taken to hospital but died two days later.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting in that hearing, told the court the incident was related to a drug deal which had taken place the previous day.