A SUSPECT has denied murdering a man in Wivenhoe.

Richard Waterhouse appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court, via video link, accused of the murder of Paul Olney.

The 30-year-old suspect, of Golden Noble Hill, Colchester, is charged with stabbing the 35-year-old to death at Olney’s home in Denham Close on June 6.

Speaking from Chelmsford Prison Waterhouse, who was wearing a black jumper and had designer stubble, spoke to confirm his name before declaring “not guilty” when the indictment was read.

It is alleged Waterhouse was at the home with Olney and knew the victim.

The prosecution claim Waterhouse was stopped by police in an alleyway close to the scene shortly after Olney was killed and gave a false name.

He was arrested on June 6 and later charged with murder.

A trial has been fixed in front of Judge Charles Gratwicke on December 5 at Chelmsford Crown Court.

A post mortem examination following the death of Mr Olney revealed he died from a single stab wound.

Police cordoned off the scene, made house to house enquiries and made several public appeals, including for a taxi driver spotted in the area to come forward.

Mr Olney’s mother paid tribute to her son, a painter and tattoo artist, following his death.

She said: "This is heart breaking and his death has devastated our whole family.

"Paul may have had some recent troubles but he did not deserve to die.

"We will really miss him."