A man accused of killing a much-loved dad in Swindon has entered his plea.

Grant Walker, of Faringdon Road, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday morning (April 26) and pleaded not guilty to one charge of murder.

The 32-year-old is alleged to have been responsible for the death of 53-year-old Terry Ricketts, who died after a serious assault in a property at Westbourne Court on February 25, 2024.

Walker has denied the offence and has been remanded into custody.

He will return to court for his trial, which is set to begin on August 12.

The first hearing in these criminal proceedings was held at Swindon Magistrates' Court on February 27.

Emergency services responded to calls from Rodbourne on the morning of February 25 and found a man dead at the scene.

Officers arrested a man in his 30s and took him into custody while forensic investigation teams analysed the area.

In the days that followed, tributes were paid to Mr Ricketts.

The 53-year-old was described by his daughter Kayleigh Ricketts, as a "devoted husband and a good friend to everyone".

She added: "He was a lovely man who would do anything for anyone.

"He was the best dad to me and my brother Kyle and the best grandad to his 6 grandchildren, Nevaeh, Theo, Aaliyah, Keira-Leigh, Kai, Kylah-Rae.

"He loved his fishing and his music, he loved his films, especially Band of Brothers, loved doing DIY stuff and teaching others how to do stuff."

Kayleigh shared several pictures of Terry, all involving him posing with some of his catches, adding: "He really did love his fishing."

Others have posted their own reaction and tributes to Terry's death on social media, with one saying he will be "forever a legend".

They posted: “R.I.P – Terry Ricketts what a loss. Thinking of your family forever a legend.”

A fundraiser was later launched for his funeral.

“Terry was a devoted husband, the best dad and granddad to his six grandchildren," his family  said.

“He was a good friend to many and would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in any way he could.

“He loved pottering about doing anything to do with DIY and he adored his fishing. His happy place was always down by a lake.

"The family want to give him a really good send off so every penny counts," the fundraiser description read.