A MAN appeared in court yesterday and denied a charge of murder.

Mark Lewin, 35, pleaded not guilty to murdering Christopher Brown, 40, during a short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

Mr Brown died during an incident at Tasman Road, Thorney Close, Sunderland, in the early hours of July 14.

Lewin, of Tadcaster Road, Thorney Close, Sunderland, will be tried by a jury on November 12.

He was granted conditional bail in the meantime.