The five men accused of killing a 55-year-old High Wycombe grandfather have pleaded not guilty to murder.

Andrew Ballantyne died on July 31, 2021 after he was found unresponsive on the ground in Micklefield Way.

Following an extensive police investigation, five men were arrested and charged with his murder. All five men have denied killing Mr Ballantyne.

A trial is now set to get underway on Monday 7 February at Reading Crown Court.

Bucks Free Press: Andrew Ballantyne died on July 31, 2021 after he was found unresponsive on the ground by police officers [TVP]Andrew Ballantyne died on July 31, 2021 after he was found unresponsive on the ground by police officers [TVP]

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Ramah Lambkin, 24, of Rowan Avenue, High Wycombe, Asher Anderson, 35, of Walton Gardens, Wembley, Daniel Ramsey, 25, of Micklefield Road, High Wycombe, Nickolas Williams, 25, of Gibbs Close, High Wycombe, James Scott, 32, of Hawthorne Road, High Wycombe all deny murdering Mr Ballantyne.

Lambkin, Ramsey, Anderson and Scott have also pleaded not guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

All five men have been remanded in custody since they were arrested in the summer.

The trial is expected to last around six weeks.

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