A PLEA date has been fixed for an Old Town man accused of killing another in east London.

Michael Hyde, 28, is alleged to have murdered 29-year-old Leshawn Williams in the capital on December 21.

Appearing at the Old Bailey this morning Hyde spoke only to confirm his name. He entered no pleas.

Judge Rebecca Poulet QC remanded the Mistletoe Court man into custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at the central London court on March 30.

On December 21, police were called at around 2am to reports of a man being beaten with baseball bats and stabbed in Hanameel Street, Newham.

Mr Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. A cousin told the London Evening Standard Mr Williams was a “decent family man”. They added: “The family are devastated. He was a good guy who looked after his family. We just can’t believe he has gone.”

Another friend - part of a group that had gone to the scene to lay flowers - said: “He was a loving father and would do anything for his kids.”