A Co Antrim man is to stand trial later this year on a charge of murdering a man in his flat in Rathcoole.
Marc Doak (26) appeared at Belfast Crown Court where he denied murdering Ryan McNab.
With an address at Shore Road in Belfast, he confirmed his identity to a court clerk.
He was then charged with murdering Ryan James McNab on October 21 2022.
When the charge was put to Doak, he replied “not guilty”.
The single charge relates to an fatal incident at Doak’s former home at Barna Square in Rathcoole.
Despite receiving medical attention at the scene, Mr McNab (31) died and a murder investigation was launched.
After Doak entered his plea, his barrister Eilis MacDermott KC said the defence was seeking further reports ahead of the trial.
She also confirmed that Doak is making a case of self-defence.
Despite no details emerging, a prior court was told that Doak told police he had choked Mr McNab after being hit with a glass bottle.
Mr Justice O’Hara enquired about the length of trial and was told by both the Crown and defence that the hearing will last around two weeks.
After setting the trial date as November 11, the judge said he would review the case on June 14 “just to make sure everything is on track”.
Doak was released on continuing bail.