A MAN who previously denied a murder charge, has also now pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of the same victim.

Mark McGuinness is alleged to have stabbed Rory Boyce to death in his own home in Shildon, on Tuesday March 30.

The 52-year-old accused, of Thornhill Gardens, Shildon, was arrested in the aftermath of the incident and has remained remanded in custody since.

He pleaded not guilty to the murder allegation at a plea hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, in late April.

Appearing back at the court for a further hearing in late June a timetable was set for the trial, estimated to be of up to five days’ duration, with a start date of Tuesday October 5.

But, at a pre-trial hearing, prosecution counsel Mark McKone asked to introduce a second count to the indictment, of manslaughter, as an alternative for the trial jury.

Defence counsel, John Burton QC, made no objection.

Judge Paul Sloan gave leave for it to be put to the defendant.

He also pleaded not guilty and will now be tried on both counts.

Judge Sloan asked for forensic experts on both defence and prosecution sides to outline mutual areas of agreement in a joint report to be prepared for the court prior to the trial.

Adjourning the hearing, he gave the defendant the usual warning that the case could proceed without him, should he choose not to leave his cell and be brought to court on the opening day of the trial.

* Mr Boyce’s family previously paid tribute to the 31-year-old, who was originally from Portsmouth.

In a statement issued by Durham Police, his family said: “Rory was a loving, quiet lad who would do anything for anyone.

“He was a loving partner, son, brother and a fantastic dad. He will be greatly missed by all that knew Rory.

“We, as a family, are devastated by what has happened. We are in complete shock and seek comfort in all the well wishes.”

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