Accused denies murder of man in Smethwick town centre

A man charged over the murder of a man in Smethwick has pleaded not guilty – with a trial set to take place in November.

Ashley Pace, of no fixed address, entered his plea at Wolverhampton Crown Court over the murder of Jagdev Lally.

Mr Lally, aged 38 and also of no fixed address, was found collapsed off the High Street on April 14.

He is believed to have suffered significant head and facial injuries, West Midlands Police has said.

Pace, aged 34, is set to stand trial at the court on November 23 after a trial date was set at the hearing on Monday.