A man is to stand trial charged with murdering his grandparents on Boxing Day.
Tobyn Salvatore allegedly attacked Denis and Mary Fell – both aged 73 – at their home in Livingston, West Lothian on December 26 last year.
Prosecutors first claim the 20-year-old killed Mr Fell by repeatedly striking him on the head and body with a knife or knives.
Salvatore is then accused of repeatedly stabbing Mrs Fell and severing her hand from her arm.
The case called for a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.
Salvatore’s lawyer Victoria Young pled not guilty on his behalf to the two murder charges.
Ms Young said defence inquiries were ongoing, but accepted a trial could be set.
Lord Beckett stated: “I have in mind to fix the eight-day trial for the High Court in Livingston starting July 4 next year.”
Salvatore is set to be represented by senior counsel Donald Findlay KC then.
The judge said if a further hearing was needed before then that could be arranged in due course.
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