A police officer accused of murdering former Aston Villa star Dalian Atkinson will stand trial in September next year alongside a colleague who denies assaulting the ex-footballer.
Pc Benjamin Monk, 41, and his colleague Pc Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith, 29, appeared in Birmingham Crown Court today for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Mr Monk was not required to enter pleas to a count of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter, while Ms Bettley-Smith entered a not guilty plea to a charge alleging that she assaulted Mr Atkinson occasioning actual bodily harm prior to his death on August 15 2016.
Judge Melbourne Inman QC granted both officers unconditional bail until a further hearing in May next year, and fixed a trial date for September 14 at Birmingham Crown Court.
Mr Atkinson, who also played for the likes of Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday, was tasered by police near his father's house in Telford, Shropshire, in 2016, and died a few hours later after going into cardiac arrest.
His family claimed after his death that the taser device was deployed at least three times and relatives said Mr Atkinson was suffering from ill health and had a weak heart.
In a statement following Mr Atkinson's death his siblings described him as a "kind, caring and protective brother."
They also added: "He always brought life and energy to family gatherings- When Dalian turned up, we knew there would be laughter and banter."
A number of high-profile figures also paid their respects on social media following his death, with former England defender Sol Campbell tweeting: "What?! Former @AVFCOfficial footballer Dalian Atkinson tasered?! Shocked & saddened by this news. Thoughts with friends & family. #RIPDalian"
