THERE was a delay in prisoners getting to court this morning (Wednesday, October 5) due to the gate at Winchester prison being broken.

Prisoners who were due to appear in court were unable to exit the prison in Romsey Road.

The problem left cases delayed, and barristers waiting around for their clients to attend the court.

The issue help up a preliminary hearing in a murder case at Winchester Crown Court.

Five men are due to appear in relation to the murder of Frazer Brabant, who was assaulted and found with serious head injuries in Gershwin Road in Basingstoke on October 31, 2019.

Mr Brabant was taken to hospital and died there on January 21, 2020.

READ MORE: Five men appear in court following the murder of a man in Basingstoke in 2019

Scott Neale, 34, from Spindle Close, Basingstoke, has been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit GBH with intent and violent disorder.

Lee Wood, 31, from Halsbury Road East, Northolt, has been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit GBH with intent and violent disorder.

Forhad Miah, 31, from Chestnuts Close, Oakley, has been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit GBH with intent and violent disorder.

James O’Connor, 24, from Fairfield, Whitchurch, has been charged with murder.

Ricky Lewis, 40, from Candover Court, Basingstoke, has been charged with conspiracy to commit GBH with intent and violent disorder.

All five appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, October 4. They spoke only to confirm their name, address and date of birth.

The hearing is still going ahead as planned.