THREE men are set to stand trial for the murder of popular local man, Sam Johnston, in October.
Stuart McCulloch (17), Fergal Morgan (22) and Allan Carey (18) are accused of killing the young dad at a property in Saltcoats last year and the trial will take place almost a year after his death.
It is alleged that he was repeatedly punched on the head and body as well being struck on the chest with a knife or similar instrument.
McCulloch, of Saltcoats, Morgan, of Drumchapel, Glasgow and Carey, of Ardrossan, deny murder.
Judge Lady Rae set a trial due to begin in October and the case is expected to last around 10 days.
Mr Johnston was dad to a 19-month old girl at the time of his death and had also recently started his own firm – Johnston Processing – providing a facility for financial advisers to sort out their paperwork.
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