A DATE has been set for the trial of a man who denies manslaughter following a death in West Cumbria.

Lewis Knight, 30, was present at Carlisle Crown Court this morning (Tuesday) as a judge announced that a trial in front of a jury is due to start on April 22 next year.

Knight has pleaded not guilty to one charge. This alleges manslaughter and arises out of the death of 39-year-old Marc Wright, of Whitehaven, who died on March 28, 2021.

Prosecution and defence counsel appeared remotely over video links as Knight, of Beach Road, St Bees, was also told that the progress of the case would be reviewed at a crown court hearing on January 26.

It is estimated the trial will last up to five days.

In the meantime Knight remains on bail.