A 42-year old man has appeared at Belfast Crown Court where he denied murder.
Denis Curtis Shearer (25) was assaulted in his Fernmore Road home in Bangor in the early hours of February 28 2021 and died in hospital nine days later.
Timothy Walker from Holywood, who is housed in HMP Maghaberry, confirmed his identity and replied not guilty to the single charge.
Appearing alongside him was Natalie Brannigan, who was charged with assisting offenders.
The 41-year old, from The Green in Holywood, was charged that knowing Walker had committed an offence, she did an act with intent to impede his apprehension by driving her car to collect him in the Glencairn area of north Belfast then driving him to Holywood and onwards to Newtownards.
When charged, Brannigan replied "not guilty".
Mr Justice O'Hara was asked by a barrister if the case could be "paused" for a period to allow a clinical psychiatrist to examine Walker with a view to compiling a medical report.
The judge said he would review the case on January 19 2024. He remanded Walker back into custody and Brannigan was released on continuing bail.