A 42-year old man has denied murdering Co Down man Denis Curtis Shearer - but admitted unlawfully killing him.
Mr Shearer (25) was subjected to an assault in his Fernmore Road home in Bangor in the early hours of February 28 2021 and died in hospital nine days later.
Timothy Walker, who is housed in HMP Maghaberry, appeared at Belfast Crown Court.
He was charged with murdering Mr Shearer and replied “not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility”.
Crown barrister Laura Ivers KC said this was not accepted and that further reports were being sought.
Defence barrister John Kearney KC said Walker has consented "to a medical examination" by a prosecuting expert.
Co-accused Natalie Brannigan has already been arraigned and denied a charge of assisting an offender February 28 2021.
A date for the trial has not been set but Mr Justice O’Hara said he would review the case on May 24.
Walker was returned to custody.