The trial of a teenager accused of the murder of a man in his 60s whose body was found in a North East flat is due to start next week.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Alan Garbutt when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court last November.

The 62-year-old, from East Cleveland, died following an alleged incident at Helmsley House, Guisborough, last summer.

Cleveland Police sealed off the area around the block of flats for two days while they carried out their investigations.

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Judge Howard Crowson remanded the teenager to a young offenders’ institute until his trial which has been scheduled for January 23.

The Northern Echo:

Following his death, Alan’s family paid tribute to him, saying: “Our beloved dad, grandad and brother will be missed dearly but will never be forgotten.”

A 43-year-old man and a 28-year-old man previously arrested on suspicion of murder have been released with no further action.

Fire crews and ambulance crews also attended the block of flats at Helmsley House in Guisborough, from around 2.20am on August 8, where the body of Mr Garbutt was discovered.

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The Northern Echo: Police at the scene of the alleged murderPolice at the scene of the alleged murder

Speaking at the time, one neighbour, whose home overlooks the block of flats, said: “The police have been there since the early hours – I haven’t slept for two days now.

“We just want to know what has happened for our own safety.”