A man has denied killing a Padiham man who was found dead in his home.

Wayne Dawson, 56, of Burnley Road, Padiham, appeared via video link from prison before Preston Crown Court earlier today (Friday, August 12).

He pleaded not guilty to murder and not guilty to manslaughter, with a trial set for January 16.

Police were called to reports of a sudden death on Coronation Avenue at around 10.30am on November 25 last year.

This was after Stephen Macro, 57, was discovered unresponsive at his home by his sister.

Preston Crown Court heard there was CCTV footage which allegedly showed Mr Macro involved in a physical altercation with another man.

Francis McEntee, prosecuting, said the cause of death was consistent with an assault on the torso.

Dawson, who is currently remanded in custody, was unrepresented by counsel in today’s hearing.

He will appear in court again on November 7 for a pretrial review.