A 29-year old Co Down man accused of murdering another man in east Belfast is denying the charge and claims he acted in self-defence, a court heard today.
David Matchett, from Upper Greenwell Street in Newtownards, appeared at Belfast Crown Court via a videolink with his solicitor's office.
He was charged with murdering Reece Leeman on March 15 last year.
The 21-year old victim collapsed from stab wounds in Connsbrook Drive in east Belfast following an altercation at nearby Kyle Street.
When the charge of murdering Mr Leeman was put to Matchett, he was then asked by a court clerk 'do you plead guilty or not guilty to that charge?'. The accused replied 'not guilty.'
Mr Justice O'Hara was told by Matchett's barrister that the defence is well on its way to having their experts authorised.
And when the senior judge asked if Matchett was making the case of self-defence, this was confirmed by defence barrister Eugene Grant QC.
A date for trial was not set today but Mr Justice O'Hara said he would review the case around the end of next March.
