A MAN accused of killing Finchampstead resident Gee Smith denied murder before a crown court judge today.

Anthony Wheatson, stood accused of murdering Mr Smith, known to his friends and family as 'Gypsy Gee', at his home in Dart Close on November 24.

Bearded Wheaton, sporting an all-grey Nike tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name and address before replying "not guilty" when a murder charge was read out to him.

The 24-year-old was remanded in custody and will face trial at Reading Crown Court in May this year.

Charles Ward-Jackson, prosecuting, told the judge: "This is a complicated issue, relating to a dispute between two families. 

"We have to consider that there is a very large list of witnesses to call upon, there is also phone evidence, and CCTV evidence to be considered."

Mr Smith was treated by ambulance crews on November 24 but sadly died in the early hours of November 25.  Police launched a full-scale murder probe and Wheaton was charged the following day.

A tear-jerking funeral procession for Mr Smith took place in Wokingham recently.

Paying tribute to the amateur boxer, his mum Karyl, said: "They broke the mould when I gave birth to Gee, he truly was one in a billion. There will never be another like him. 

"He would help anyone and everyone who needed his help. Even if it was in the middle of the night and he was asleep, he would be up and out there to help.

"He was devoted to his nieces and nephews. They were his world and he adored them. Many also saw him as a father figure.

"He was full of life and lived life to the max. He was always happy. He loved fast cars, motorbikes, horses and boxing. He recently took part in a boxing match to raise money for a cancer charity. He truly had a heart of gold.

"Since we lost Gee we have spent as much time laughing together about fun and fond memories of him as we have crying at our loss."