TWO men have appeared in court charged with murder.

Aidon Pearce, 20, unemployed, of Treecot Drive, Leigh, and Joe Paffey, 20, unemployed, of Old Southend Road, Southend are accused of stabbing 19-year-old Fabian Kacica to death.

No pleas were entered to the murder charge, although both are expected to deny the crime, at Basildon Crown Court.

Paffey, wearing a grey short sleeved shirt and black tie showed no emotion, speaking only to confirm his name and date of birth.

Pearce, sporting a white long sleeve shirt and black tie, as well as a short beard, did the same and also denied breaching a criminal behaviour order.

Those representing the pair claim neither should have been charged with murder and dispute whether there is enough evidence to hold a trial.

Applications to dismiss the murder charge will be heard on August 30 when a judge will decide whether to proceed to trial.

A provisional trial date has been set for November 12 by Judge John Lodge.

The trial is expected to last two to three weeks.

Both are remanded in custody.

Pearce spoke to his mum briefly while she sat in the public gallery before she added ‘I love you son’ before he was taken out of the court.

Fabian was murdered during a disturbance in Farringdon Service Road, outside The Forum, on Monday, May 14.

Paramedics were dispatched, but despite their best efforts he died from a stab wound to the chest. Since Fabian’s murder, there have been two high-profile peace marches through the town as well as a public meeting. His family paid tribute to a son with a heart of gold.