A MAN accused of a Basildon murder refused to leave his prison cell to enter a plea.

Unemployed Joram Bakumanya, 22, of no fixed address was due to appear via video link at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday.

However, he refused, meaning Judge Charles Gratwick entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Bakumanya is charged with the murder of father Daniel Mitchell-Monroe.

Mr Mitchell-Monroe was fatally injured in Market Pavement, Basildon, at about 5.30pm on June 28.

He sadly died at the scene, despite the efforts of police and paramedics.

Passers-by described seeing the horrific daylight attack and hearing a woman calling for Mr Mitchell-Monroe not to leave her.

The 37-year-old, who loved kick boxing, lived in Vange and worked at the Langdon Hills Harvester.

At his funeral in August, the chapel at the Basildon and District crematorium was packed out with hundreds of mourners for the popular, fun-loving dad of one.

Many members of the family were present in court for the short hearing.

A provisional trial date has been set for Monday, December 12.