A suspect is to stand trial charged with murdering a "much loved" Lanarkshire man including claims he stabbed him with a screwdriver.
Shane Young, 21, is accused of killing Richard Marshall at a flat in Camelon Crescent, Blantyre on March 31 last year.
It is alleged the 33 year-old was repeatedly struck on the head with an unknown "blunt object" as well as being punched and kicked.
The murder charge further claims Young repeatedly stabbed the man on the body with a screwdriver or similar sharp implement.
It is also alleged he locked a door, removed a key and prevented access to the flat.
Following his death, the heartbroken family of Richard released the following statement: “We are completely devastated by the loss of Richard, who was a much-loved son, brother, uncle and good friend.
“He will be cherished in our hearts forever.”
And four months after the tragedy, Richard's mum Bette Marshall spoke out over the alleged incident to thank members of the community who tried to help at the time.
Neighbours rushed to the property to tend to Richard while waiting on the emergency services to arrive but tragically the 33-year-old died at the scene.
Bette, who has since been diagnosed as being clinically heartbroken, told Lanarkshire Live : "Richard was a good person who was well known and loved in the area.
"He was a lovely son who would only have helped people and wouldn't have done any harm to anyone.
"These last few months have been hell and we will never recover but there are good people around us and we have to live with that hope.
"It's the caring and love from others that is keeping us going."
A hearing called today at the High Court in Glasgow, where Young's QC Ian Duguid pled not guilty on his behalf.
Lady Scott set a trial due to begin in August. The case could last around six days.
Police officers were called to an alleged disturbance on Wednesday, March 31, where Richard was found dead.
Detective Inspector Frank Travers, from the major investigations team, said at the time: “Our thoughts are with Richard’s family at this very difficult time and we are providing them with support."
**Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did yo u know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head over to our page to give us a like and share.
