Two men have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 23-year-old in Canterbury city centre.
Mohammed Hgar and Kemal Ibrahim denied the offence during crown court proceedings today (January 10).
Suspected murder victim Samare Gerezgihir, who died in Canterbury High Street, pictured with his partner Shannon Rossiter Picture: Shannon Rossiter
Hgar, 31, of no fixed address, and Ibrahim, 24, of Long Acre Close, Canterbury, are alleged to have fatally stabbed Samare Gerezgihir in a late-night attack on October 10 last year.
The two accused entered not guilty pleas to murder as well as a charge of having a bladed article – described in court as a fixed blade knife with a green handle – in Canterbury High Street.
Ibrahim also pleaded not guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm to James Highwood on the same occasion.
Hgar and Ibrahim were assisted throughout the hearing by interpreters – Arabic and Sudanese Arabic respectively.
Ibrahim shook his head as he entered each of his three pleas.
A huge cordon was placed in Canterbury High Street by police after Samare Gerezgihir’s death
The pair’s trial is due to start on March 31 and is expected to last two to three weeks.
Mr Gerezgihir, known as both Sammy and Jamil, died from a stab wound to the chest.
He was found at the junction between High Street and St Margaret’s Street by police called to a disturbance at around 11.30pm. Despite efforts to save him he died at the scene.
Tributes paid to the former pupil at Hartsdown Academy in Margate, described him as “a handsome angel” who was also “brave and respectful with an infectious smile”.
Mr Gerezgihir, who came to the UK from Eritrea as a child, lived in Canterbury but had no fixed address and was unemployed.
Forensics working in Canterbury High Street after a murder probe was launched
Hgar and Ibrahim will next appear in court on February 28 for a pre-trial review hearing.
Both men have been remanded in custody.