THE trial of a couple accused of murdering schoolboy Alfie Steele has been rescheduled. 

Carla Scott, 34, and Dirk Howell, 39, are accused of the murder of Alfie following his death at a house in Droitwich on February 18 last year.

The nine-year-old died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, after he had been airlifted.

Worcester News: REMEMBERED: Schoolboy Alfie Steele. Picture: West Mercia PoliceREMEMBERED: Schoolboy Alfie Steele. Picture: West Mercia Police (Image: West Mercia Police)

Scott and Howell both deny murder and causing or allowing the death of a child in relation to Alfie Steele.

Scott also faces a charge of cruelty towards Alfie - a person aged under 16 - between July 13, 2019 and February 18, 2021.

The trial, which is expected to be heard in front of High Court judge Mrs Justice May, was set to start on Friday (October 7). 

Worcester News: TRIAL: Dirk Howell and Carla Scott are to face trial for murder. TRIAL: Dirk Howell and Carla Scott are to face trial for murder. (Image: Facebook)

But it will now begin next Thursday (October 13). 

Following the death Alfie’s grandad, Paul Scott, spoke of his smile that would melt butter and his inquisitive nature.

READ MORE: Thug Alan Cornes who was speeding in Audi before injuring two still to be sentenced

READ MORE: Bromwich Road house crash: BMW driver who crashed injuring three is jailed​

The grandad said: “We are completely devastated by the loss of Alfie, he had a smile that would melt butter.

"He was intelligent and inquisitive, and was courageous like a lion; he was a good Christian boy who was full of God.”