A MAN is set to stand trial after denying a charge of murder.

Lloyd Deacon was arrested after Gary Bassett, 51, was attacked in an alleyway behind Debenhams and Primark in the Eastgate Centre in Basildon on July 28.

Mr Bassett was attended to by police officers and paramedics who responded to an emergency call, but he died from his injuries two days after being transferred to the hospital.

During a short hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday, Deacon, of Parson’s Field, Dedham, near Colchester, denied a charge of murder.

Appearing via videolink from Chelmsford Prison, where has been remanded in custody, Deacon spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the proceedings.

Judge Charles Gratwicke scheduled a trial, which is expected to last one week, to begin on January 3 next year.

He ordered Deacon, 27, to stay remanded in custody until the trial begins.

Shortly after he died on July 31, Mr Bassett’s son Tom described him as someone who would never hurt anyone.

He said: “My dad was a very caring man who always made time for his family and friends.

“Having lived in Essex all his life, he was well known in the area and fondly thought of.

“He would look out for everyone and would never do anything to harm anyone.”