Man accused of Norwich murder to stand trial next year

Elvis Vickers, 46, was charged with murder after police were called to reports a man had been stabbed at a property in Mousehold Street, Norwich, at 10.15pm on Friday.

Police and paramedics attended but Abdulkadar Chadli, 48, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police at scene of fatal stabbing in Norwich (Image: Newsquest) An initial Home Office post-mortem examination was conducted on Saturday with the preliminary findings showing the man’s death was consistent with a stab wound to the chest.

Vickers, of Mousehold Street, appeared at Norwich Crown Court, sitting at Whitefriars, on Tuesday after he was charged with murder.

Vickers, who wore a grey top and was unshaven, spoke only to confirm his name and details as he appeared via videolink from Norwich Prison.

Judge Alice Robinson fixed a provisional date of March 31 for a trial expected to last between two and three weeks.

A plea and trial preparation hearing should take place on December 19.

There was no application for bail in the case.

Richard Paterson appeared for the prosecution while Will Carter represented Vickers.

Craig Townsend, 37, was arrested alongside Vickers at the scene on suspicion of murder.

Police at scene of fatal stabbing in Norwich (Image: Newsquest) Townsend was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre and subsequently released on police bail until January 2025, pending further enquiries.

A police cordon remains at the Mousehold Street address while the investigation is ongoing.

Police at scene of fatal stabbing in Norwich (Image: Newsquest) Tributes have been paid to Mr Chadli, understood to be an offshore worker of Moroccan descent, from close friend Grant Hughes who had spoken to him on the day before his death to arrange a catch-up for when he returned from Aberdeen.

Grant Hughes (Image: Newsquest) He said he has been left "distraught, angry and heartbroken" by the shocking death.

Mr Hughes added: "He was the sweetest and kindest bloke you would ever meet. A caring friend who wouldn’t hurt a fly, he was so calm, peaceful and relaxed.

"He did not deserve this. He had just got home from offshore.

"He’s a bloody hard worker. I spoke to him on Thursday evening and he said he was getting back from Aberdeen to Norwich and we arranged to meet up on Monday.

"I’m devastated, distraught, angry and heartbroken. He was such a caring friend and always looked out for me.

"He always put other people before himself and I am so angry this has happened. I feel totally numb. I’m not going to ever see my mate again.

"It makes my blood boil. I look forward to when he gets home so we can have a chat and a catch-up, and thinking I will never see him again doesn't feel real."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Norfolk police quoting reference number NC-01112024-504.