A man has pleaded not guilty to murder after a "gentle giant" was stabbed to death.
Billy Moore died aged 31 after an incident at a house on Yardley Avenue in Bewsey, Warrington, at around 10.45pm on December 22 last year. James Ireland, of Lodge Lane in Bewsey, was arrested in connection with his death on Christmas Eve and was later charged with murdering the "loving son and brother".
The 41-year-old appeared before Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon, Monday, via video link to HMP Altcourse. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded into custody by the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC ahead of his trial on July 3.
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Mr Moore's family paid tribute him following his death, saying in a statement: "Billy was a loving son, brother and friend. All who knew him would say that he was a gentle giant with a kind soul.
"We are devastated that he has been taken from us so young and in such a senseless way. Losing a loved one at any time is difficult, but so suddenly and during Christmas has been unbearable.
"We would like to offer our extended thanks to all the emergency services that attended the scene and tried to help Billy, as well as the officers who have been working tirelessly over Christmas to bring those accountable to justice. Billy, we will love you until the next life."
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