Man accused of killing popular pub regular in Northampton denies murder charge

A 21-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to murdering a popular pub regular following an argument at a nightspot in Northampton.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Nov 2016, 06:00 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2016, 15:41 BST
Paul Smith tragically passed away from injuries he sustained in an incident at the Out of Town pub in July. The pub set up a shrine in the former regular's honour in September. QhuNLYgQZmM7N3jJcFTTPaul Smith tragically passed away from injuries he sustained in an incident at the Out of Town pub in July. The pub set up a shrine in the former regular's honour in September. QhuNLYgQZmM7N3jJcFTT
Paul Smith tragically passed away from injuries he sustained in an incident at the Out of Town pub in July. The pub set up a shrine in the former regular's honour in September. QhuNLYgQZmM7N3jJcFTT

Courtney Flannigan is accused of killing 49-year-old Paul Smith at the Edge of Town pub in Regent Street, on July 10, and inflicting grievous bodily harm on one of Mr Smith’s friends.

Facing the charges at Northampton Crown Court yesterday, Flannigan, of Pleydell Gardens, Far Cotton pleaded not guilty to both charges.

He spoke only to confirm his name in court.

Tributes at the Edge of Town for Paul Smith. J7-BZoj-d4ylcep5_2-YTributes at the Edge of Town for Paul Smith. J7-BZoj-d4ylcep5_2-Y
Tributes at the Edge of Town for Paul Smith. J7-BZoj-d4ylcep5_2-Y
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Prosecuting, Christopher Donnellan QC said Mr Smith was known to have a heart condition and both the prosecution and defence said they would be calling expert medical witnesses to the trial.

Judge Rupert Mayo remanded Flannigan in custody until a further hearing next year. He set a provisional trial date for July 25, 2017.

He told Flannigan: “Some complicated legal arguments are to follow.”