A 25-year-old man is set to stand trial after pleading not guilty to the murder of a ‘much loved’ dad in Chelmsford, Essex.
Marek Hecko, of Rookes Crescent, Chelmsford is accused of murdering 44-year-old Adrian Ellingford in July.
Mr Ellingford died at an address in Nelson Grove in the early hours of Monday, July 25.
Adrian Ellingford, who was 44 years-old, died at an address in Nelson Grove in the early hours of Monday, July 25
Essex Police were called to the scene at around 4.30am, after reports a man had been seriously injured.
Emergency services rushed to the house, but despite their best efforts, Mr Ellingford was pronounced dead at the scene a short while later.
An investigation was subsequently launched by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.
Following the death, police cordoned off the home with forensic teams investigating inside the house, the garden and the front drive.
Officers were there for most of the day following the discovery of Mr Ellingford.
Hecko appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday for a plea and trial preparation hearing. He denied one count of murder
The investigation led to the arrest of Hecko, who has since been charged with murder.
Shortly after his death, Mr Ellingford’s family released a tribute to their ‘much-loved husband, father, son, and brother.’
They said: ‘Our hearts are broken. Adrian is, and always will be, a much-loved husband, father, son and brother.
‘He has been taken from his family and friends far too soon. While we try to come to terms with our sudden and devastating loss, we as the family ask for privacy at this extremely difficult time.’
Hecko appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday for a plea and trial preparation hearing. He denied one count of murder.
A trial date has been fixed for the same court on February 12, 2023.