A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Conor Browne, who was stabbed in Castlederg last year.

Adam Acheson, 30, from Baron Square Court in Drumquin, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Tuesday. He denied five charges, including murder, in connection with the death of the 28-year-old father-of-one.

Mr Browne, from Castlederg, was stabbed outside a pub in the town during the early hours of September 2, 2023. He died from his injuries two days later.

Acheson also denied charges of common assault, affray, dangerous driving, and perverting the course of justice by allegedly removing number plates from a white van on the same date.

A defence barrister said the trial could last between two and three weeks, and that a forensic toxicologist and pathologist had been instructed for the defence.

No trial date has been set. Acheson was remanded in custody pending a review hearing.

A co-accused, Jeffrey Bustard, 27, of Drumlegagh Church Road in Newtownstewart, faces charges of manslaughter and affray. He is scheduled to appear before the Crown Court on September 11.