A SUSPECT is due to stand trial this summer after being charged with the murder of a man at an address in Bewsey.

James Ireland, of Lodge Lane in Bewsey, denies stabbing victim Billy Moore multiple times in an attack that took place on Yardley Avenue in the run up to Christmas on Thursday, December 22, last year.

Cheshire Police officers and other emergency services attended the incident shortly before 10.45pm after receiving a call reporting that a man had sustained serious injuries.

The 31-year-old was taken to Warrington Hospital, but sadly died after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Ireland was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder on Christmas Eve, and later charged with murder on Boxing Day.

He has been remanded in custody since his arrest but appeared before Liverpool Crown Courts this afternoon via video link, for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The charge of murder was put to him by the court clerk, to which the defendant entered a not guilty plea on the basis of self-defence.

The case has now been adjourned by Judge Menary with the trial set to be heard on July 3.