A MAN aged 24 has denied the manslaughter of James Etherington, who was injured outside the Bijou Cocktail Bar and Nightclub in Chapel Lane, Bingley, on November 25 last year.

Ciaran Spencer, of Green Head Drive, Utley, Keighley, pleaded not guilty at Bradford Crown Court today to unlawfully killing Mr Etherington, who died in Leeds General Infirmary ten days later on December 5.

Richard Wright QC, barrister for Spencer, said the trial would last up to four weeks, with around 15 witnesses to the incident being called to give evidence and to be cross-examined.

The defence would be calling a neuropathologist, along with other expert witnesses, Mr Wright told the court.

Barrister for the Crown, Matthew Bean, told the packed courtroom that members of Mr Etherington’s family were present at the hearing and were keen for the earliest date possible to be set for the trial.

Judge David Hatton QC “pencilled in” July 29 as a possible trial date, but the case may be brought forward to May 20. He said a trial judge had not yet been appointed and it was not known if a High Court Judge would hear the case.

Spencer, wearing a smart dark-coloured suit and tie, was released on unconditional bail. Mr Etherington, 24, a former pupil at Bingley Grammar School, worked for Yorkshire Water. He lived in Bingley and played for Keighley Cougar Cubs in his youth.

Following the news of Mr Etherington’s death, scores of people visited the Bijou club to leave a sea of flowers by the entrance. A Justgiving appeal for his family raised almost £10,000 in four days. Mr Etherington was also remembered at a vigil and memorial service attended by more than 700 people in Bingley Market Square to pay tribute to “a lovely young man who was a friend to so many.”

The Bijou club had its licence suspended and has since closed