Murder suspect to stand trial after not guilty plea

MURDER accused Craig Howse will stand trial later this year after pleading not guilty to killing a man.

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Howse is accused of killing Michael Craig, 31, who was found in an address in Heaton, Newcastle, last month. Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court on a video link from prison, Howse pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Craig on March 5.

Howse, 38, of Bolingbroke Street, Heaton, may stand trial in August but his trial date will be confirmed in due course. Judge Paul Sloan KC further remanded him in custody and told him: "I'm adjourning your case for trial.. There will be two further pre-trial hearings before that date.