A MAN is to stand trial next year, accused of stabbing to death a van driver in Easingwold.

James Brabbs, 26, will face a hearing likely to last two weeks in May after pleading not guilty to murder.

He is accused of killing Mohammed Saleem Khan, 36, in the market town on September 23.

Mr Khan was was found in his hire van in Long Street and police initially thought he had been in a crash.

A post-mortem examination later revealed that the family man from Luton had been stabbed in the neck.

Mr Khan had been delivering shower products in North Yorkshire in a white Europcar Ford Transit.

Brabbs, of no fixed address, appeared at Teesside Crown Court today in a black jumper and dark jogging pants.

He spoke only to confirm his name and enter his 'not guilty' plea during the 15-minute hearing.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, remanded Brabbs in custody until his next appearance.