PAUL Holcroft will face a five-day trial for the murder of Christopher Lamberth in May.

The 23-year-old from from Grace Avenue, Orford, is accused of stabbing the 20-year-old to death a day before his 21st birthday last November.

Wearing a black t-shirt, with a shaved head and tattooed neck, Holcroft appeared at Warrington Crown Court on Friday and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Prosecuting barrister Trevor Jones said that the defendant had rejected a plea of manslaughter.

Mr Lamberth died from stab wounds after the incident on Sunday, November 18, around 7am, at his home on Manchester Road.

The trial will be heard on May 6 by Justice Tier at Chester Crown Court.