A SHEFFIELD man has denied killing Karl Swift, who was found dead in a Halesowen street.

Mr Swift from South Yorkshire suffered serious head injuries before being found on New Road, Halesowen on Friday, September 9. He died in hospital the following day.

Dean Hartley, aged 30, pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of the 33-year-old when he appeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Hartley of Burnaby Crescent, Sheffield also denied a charge of perverting the course of justice relating to a statement he made to police about the death of Mr Swift.

He was further remanded in custody by Judge James Burbidge QC until April 18 next year for trial.

Mr Hugh O'Brien-Quinn prosecuting told the court the trial of Hartley is expected to last for about a week.

Two other man Dean Hartley Snr, 51, of Chaucer Road and 29-year-old Lee Adron of Broad Inge Crescent, both Sheffield, are also charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to the incident.

It is expected all three men will appear before the Crown Court on January 22 for a hearing to determine the course of the case.

It is believed the men had been drinking in the William Shenstone public house on September 8 this year before Mr Swift suffered his serious injuries.