A man has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 24-year-old man described as the “most kind, loving and warm individual you could ever wish to meet”.
Liam Bennett, 28, is charged with the murder of Idris Squires, from Abergavenny. Mr Squires was found with life-threatening injuries when officers were called to Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny, at around 6.15am on May 15, police said. He later died in hospital.
Court appearance and pleas
The defendant, who wore an army green t-shirt and grey joggers, appeared at Newport Crown Court on Friday where he entered not guilty pleas to charges of murder and manslaughter.
He also pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent and unlawful wounding in respect of Kean Webb.
Bennett, of Oak Tree Lane, Gilwern, Monmouthshire, was remanded in custody to appear for trial on February 22 next year.
Family tribute
In a statement Mr Squires' family said previously: “Idris made friends easily and had a huge circle of friends who he cared for very much and this was reciprocated.
“We have been inundated with hundreds of messages of support from so many of Idris’ young friends. He was the most kind, loving and warm individual you could ever wish to meet.
“He never thought twice about helping others, young or old, he had the instinct to do the right thing. We are proud of his gift of organ donation – that he elected to be on the donor register, speaks volumes for the man he was.
“Although we are overwhelmed by the grief of losing such a wonderful young man, we take comfort in the memory of the love, laughter and kindness that he shared with those he met. He will be forever in our thoughts and in our hearts.”
