A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of an antiques dealer who was found dead in his flat.

Sukhjit Bains, 46, is charged with murdering 72-year-old Michael Martin at the home in St Botolph's Road in Worthing this March 22.

At a hearing at Lewes Crown Court, sitting in Brighton, on Wednesday, Bains, from Crawley, denied murder.

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In a previous statement, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the family at this extremely difficult time.

"This is believed to have been an isolated incident that did not pose a wider risk to the community.

“Further witnesses or anyone with information about what happened is asked to come forward to Sussex Police, and quote Operation Orchid.”

Bains will face a three-week trial from August 19.