A MAN has appeared at Preston Crown Court over video link and denied murdering Slovakian national Marek Krivak in Burnley.

Drew Wilkinson, 18, of Straight Mile Court, Burnley, appeared over video link from Preston Prison and formally entered his not guilty plea.

Mr Krivak was found by police in a critical condition in Hargreaves Street at around 7am on October 27.

He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital but died from his injuries three days later.

At an earlier hearing Blackburn magistrates were told that doctors had waited for Mr Krivak’s brother to travel from Slovakia and say a final goodbye before turning off his life support machine.

A post mortem examination concluded Mr Krivak died as a result of head injuries.

Wilkinson had initially been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, with Mr Krivak still being alive at that point. But that charge has now been upgraded to murder.

A trial date has been set for April 23. Wilkinson was remanded in custody.