THE inquest into the death of the Bournemouth DJ who died from stab wounds outside a Subway in the town centre opened on Monday.

Thomas George Philip Roberts, 21, was stabbed after a “brief altercation” in Old Christchurch Road in the early hours of Saturday, March 12.

An inquest opening held at Bournemouth Town Hall on Monday heard how Mr Roberts died of stab wounds to the chest and abdomen.

Coroner’s officer Nigel Underwood told the hearing Mr Roberts was in Old Christchurch Road when a “brief altercation” took place with another male.

As reported, Mr Roberts was then taken to Poole Hospital where he died. Mr Underwood said police enquiries were ongoing.

A post mortem undertaken at Holly Tree Lodge found a provisional cause of death as stab wounds to the chest and abdomen.

Senior coroner for Dorset, Rachael Griffin, suspended the inquest until the criminal proceedings into the matter had concluded.

Ms Griffin said: “There is an ongoing police investigation in respect of this matter, I have received correspondence from the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to criminal charges brought before the criminal court.

“As a result of that I will be suspending this investigation awaiting the outcome of those proceedings.”

Mr Roberts, who had ambitions of becoming a Marine, was described as “one of the best up and coming artists the south had to offer”.

The 21-year-old was a popular face at Bomo Bunker, where he would often perform drum and bass DJ sets under the name ‘Nomad’.

His sister Patti Roberts, paying tribute following his death, said: “He was such a strong, kind and funny person. I didn't see him as a man because to me he was still that cheeky, mischievous brother that brought so much life into the room.

"We can't begin to comprehend what has happened to him.

"His future was going to be bright. He wanted to be a marine. He was in a beautiful relationship with his girlfriend and they were supposed to be going on holiday this week.

"He had so many people in his life that loved him. And now he's gone.”

A 16-year-old, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, appeared at court charged with the murder of Mr Roberts.

Following a short hearing at Winchester Crown Court on March 17, Judge Angela Morris set a trial date of October 4 for the defendant, who cannot be named because of his age.

A plea and trial preparation hearing was also set for June 9.

Remanding the defendant, who appeared by video link from Feltham Young Offender Institution, to remain in custody, Judge Morris told him: “The defendant will be required to attend this court on June 9, and on that day the charge will be put to him and he will be asked if he pleads guilty or not guilty.”