Three suspects to stand trial over murder of man in Glasgow 22 years ago
Malcolm Kelt, 52, Alan Colvan, 42, and Marc Harris, 39, are accused of killing Darren Birt in Glasgow's Barlanark on August 28, 2002.
It is initially claimed that they shouted and threatened the 22-year-old, chased after him and hit him with a bottle.
Prosecutors claim he was then repeatedly attacked on the head and body with a knife or knives.
The murder charge states Mr Birt was also struck with a hammer or similar weapon.
The trio are also said to have punched and kicked the man.
It is further claimed they previously displayed 'malice and ill-will' towards him.
Kelt, Colvan and Harris face a separate allegation of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
This includes an accusation that they got rid of weapons used in the murder.
It is also claimed that the trio changed their clothes and told another man to wash the items.
The indictment claims this was all done in a bid to avoid 'detection, arrest and prosecution' for the alleged killing.
This charge lists a number of different addresses in Barlanark.
The case called for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday.
Defence KCs Murray Macara, Donald Findlay and Tony Graham pled not guilty on behalf of each of the suspects.
The lawyers along with prosecutor Alex Prentice KC agreed a trial could set.
A continued preliminary hearing will take place in October this year at the High Court in Edinburgh after several legal issues were raised.
Mr Findlay said: 'In cold cases, there will be particular issues that arise which are particular to this type of case.
'I have been in constant discussions as there are various matters.
'The advocate depute knows what I need to resolve and knows what I need from him.'
A possible special defence may also be lodged by Mr Findlay in due course.
He said: 'This is causing a little difficulty due to a trial from all these years.'
Mr Prentice stated that the Crown will mostly rely on CCTV and witness accounts.
Lord Mulholland went on to fix a trial and it is scheduled to begin in October next year at the High Court in Glasgow. The case could last 16 days.
Police Scotland had renewed their appeal for information on Mr Birt's death in October 2022.
A senior detective also appeared on the BBC's Crimewatch morning show.
Crimestoppers further offered a £20,000 reward to anyone who contacted them with information.
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