A MAN has appeared before a judge accused of murdering Jason 'Jay Jay' Taylor in a Darwen bar.

Jack Costello, 44, of Victoria Street, Rishton, appeared at Preston Crown Court over video link from Preston Prison this morning.

Wearing a grey top, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality. No plea was entered during the five-minute hearing.

Prosecuting, Frances McEntee outlined the issues of the case and said the incident had been captured on good quality CCTV.

The court heard how Mr Taylor, 23, died after being stabbed in the neck with a champagne flute at the Esco-bar in the early hours of Sunday. He was taken to hospital but died later that day.

At an earlier hearing solicitor Malcolm Isherwood said the medical cause of death had been established as neck injury leading to blood loss.

Defending Costello, Richard Vardon said: "It's a terribly tragic case but it is not a difficult case from a forensic perspective."

A second man, Kayle Smith, who is charged with assaulting Mr Taylor causing actual bodily harm, was not produced at the hearing.

The court heard that Smith, 30, of Vale Street, Darwen, allegedly assaulted Mr Taylor by headbutting him. But any alleged involvement was before the incident which led to his death.

Defending Smith, Daniel Prowse said his client is a man of previous good character and would be applying for bail next week.

Mr Prowse: "He will be applying for bail. I am surprised the magistrates remanded him in custody. If that situation continues he will lose his job."

Costello and Smith will appear for a plea and case management hearing before Judge Mark Brown, The Honorary Recorder of Preston, on March 26.

A trial date for Costello has been set for July 30. That is expected to last for five days.

Addressing Costello, Judge Brown said: "Your trial date is listed at the end of July. The next hearing will be on March 26. In the meantime you are remanded into custody."