Three men accused of attempted murder after a man was shot in his car at a McDonald's drive thru could stand trial later this year.
The 21-year-old victim was hit when a gunman approached the passenger side of his black Ford Tourneo at Croft Retail Park in Bromborough, Wirral.
Adam Caine was parked by the collection window of the fast food chain when the unmasked shooter suddenly opened fire and hit him in the leg.
The brazen attack happened at around 5.30pm, on Thursday, June 18, while McDonald's staff were passing takeaway meals to Mr Caine, who sped away.
Armed police quickly surrounded the area and witnesses heard staff coming out of the restaurant to say the branch in Welton Road was closed.
David Pugh, 32, of Woolfall Crescent, Huyton was arrested on Saturday, June 20 and charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm.
James Nolan, 30, of Thomas Drive, Prescot, and James O'Neil, 33, of Leyfield Road, West Derby, were arrested on Saturday, June 27 and also charged with attempted murder.
The three men were set to appear at Liverpool Crown Court today, via video link from HMP Forest Bank in Salford, and HMP Altcourse in Fazakerley.
However, due to technical issues the defendants were not present for a short plea and trial preparation hearing, now rescheduled for September 4.
Simon Christie, prosecuting, said a trial would be estimated to last two weeks and Judge Brian Cummings, QC, fixed a provisional date of December 12.
Pictures taken just minutes after the shooting showed armed police surrounding the McDonald's as horrified witnesses waited in their cars.
A large cordon was erected around the restaurant, with forensic and Matrix officers beginning their investigations later that same evening.
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Scientific officers in white forensic suits could be seen taking photographs inside the cordon and laying down evidence markers close to the collection window, where the shooting took place.
A second cordon was also placed at the entrance of Heather Dene, where the driver's car was inspected for evidence after the victim was taken to hospital.
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