A man accused of a Peterborough murder will stand trial later this year.

Filippo Femminile, 31, of Ellindon, Bretton, appeared in the dock at Cambridge Crown Court on Monday (May 11), where he was charged with the murder of Imran Bashir.

He denies the charge.

Cambridgeshire Police said that Mr Bashir (50), a father, was found dead at a property in Gladstone Street, Peterborough on Wednesday, February 4.

A spokesperson for the force said that emergency services were called to the property at about 10.45am on February 4. The spokesperson said that Mr Bashir was pronounced dead at the scene.

Appearing in front of The Honorary Recorder of Cambridge and Peterborough, Judge Mark Bishop, Femminile pleaded not guilty to one count of murder during the short hearing.

Femminile, who was wearing a grey tracksuit, listened carefully to the hearing as he sat in the dock, but spoke only to confirm his name, his plea, and to confirm that he understood what had been said.

He was remanded into custody until September 7, when a trial is scheduled to take place at Peterborough Crown Court.

The court heard that the trial is expected to last for for a total of three weeks.

Following his death, Mr Bashir's family paid tribute to him, and released a statement which said: "Though his life was taken far too soon, his love was not. It lives on in the memories he created the values he passed down, and the lives he shaped forever. He will be remembered not for the way he died, but for the way he lived - and for the love he gave so freely.

“He is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. We love you and you will be missed for the rest of our lives. Your kids are devastated with this loss, and no one will ever be able to ease this sorrow, grief and pain.

“As a family, we kindly ask for respect and understanding during this difficult time, and we are grateful for your support and prayers. Keep praying for us.”