A man will be tried in April accused of murdering a ‘gentle giant’ in Barton. 

Lewis Brown, 20, is said by prosecutors to have fatally stabbed 39-year-old Lee Butler in the chest in Bayswater Road on October 8 last year.

Appearing before Oxford Crown Court on Friday afternoon, Brown, of Barton Village Road, Oxford, pleaded not guilty to murder and possession of a bladed article. 

Bearded Brown, who stood in the dock wearing a grey Puma tracksuit top, spoke only to confirm his name and pleas. 

Judge Ian Pringle QC fixed the trial date for April 4. The case is expected to last at least a week. 

Charles Ward-Jackson appeared for the Crown Prosecution Service. The defendant was represented by Frida Hussain QC, who appeared in court via video link. 

The judge remanded Brown into custody, saying: "Lewis Brown, I'm going to adjourn your case for trial. Your trial will take place at this court centre on April 4 of this year. 

"In the meantime you must remain in custody. Thank you, you may go."