A man has appeared in court accused of murdering a teenager at a house in Argyll and Bute.
Kevin Murray, 33, is charged with killing Kirk Allan at a property in Johnson Court in Helensburgh last July 25.
Prosecutors allege the 19-year-old was restrained and punched on the head and body.
It is then claimed Mr Allan was repeatedly struck with a meat cleaver before his breathing was restricted when his neck was compressed.
Murray also allegedly bound the teenager’s hands and feet together, blindfolded him with a further accusation that he sprayed a “noxious substance” in Mr Allan’s face.
The murder charge – which Murray denies – claims he placed a duvet and sofa on Mr Allan.
Tony Graham QC, defending, on Tuesday offered a guilty plea to the reduced allegation of culpable homicide.
But this was rejected by prosecutor Ashley Edwards QC during the hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.
No trial was fixed and judge Lady Stacey instead adjourned until a further hearing in June.
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