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A man is to stand trial later this year on a charge of murdering Ryan McNab in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, in 2022.

Marc Doak, 26, with an address on the Shore Road in Belfast, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday where he denied the charge.

Mr McNab, a 31-year-old father-of-one from Bangor, died after being assaulted at a flat in Barna Square, Rathcoole, on 21 October 2022.

When the murder charge was put to Mr Doak, he replied: "Not guilty."

The single charge relates to an fatal incident at Mr Doak's former home.

Despite receiving medical attention at the scene, Mr McNab died and a murder investigation was launched.

After Mr Doak entered his not guilty plea, his barrister said the defence was seeking further reports ahead of the trial.

She also confirmed that Mr Doak is making a case of self-defence.

Despite no details emerging today, a prior court was told that Mr Doak told police he had choked Mr McNab after being hit with a glass bottle.

The judge enquired about the length of trial and was told by both prosecution and defence lawyers that the hearing will last about two weeks.

After setting the trial date as 11 November 2024, the judge said he would review the case on 14 June "just to make sure everything is on track for the trial".

Following the brief hearing, Mr Doak was released on continuing bail.