A man has denied the murder of a man found dead in a Norwich flat more than two years ago.

Theodore Lynch, 41, has been charged with killing Leslie Smith, 63, whose body was discovered in his property at Suffolk Square on October 17, 2021.

Eastern Daily Press: Police at Suffolk Square in NorwichPolice at Suffolk Square in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)Lynch, currently of HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Friday, when he pleaded not guilty to murder.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Crown CourtNorwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)A date for a trial, expected to last between two and three weeks, has already been fixed for April 15 next year.

The death of Mr Smith was initially treated as unexplained by police and a Home Office post mortem was inconclusive.

But further tests revealed Mr Smith's cause of death was consistent with a wound on his neck and detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team launched a murder enquiry.

The death shocked neighbours living in the flats close to Norwich city centre.

Lynch was remanded in custody until the trial with Judge Alice Robinson fixing a further hearing for March 15 next year.