The man accused of murdering a part-time actor in Chessington last year has denied his involvement.

Gerald Matovu, 25, of Great Guildford Street, Southwark, is charged over the death of Eric Michels, who was found dead at a property in Bolton Road, Chessington, on August 18.

During the preliminary plea hearing at the Old Bailey criminal court, Mr Matovu pleaded 'not guilty' to charges of murder, theft and fraud.

Brandon Dunbar, 23, of Romford Road, Forest Gate, is also facing to four joint charges relating to the incident and pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors allege that Mr Matovu administered a lethal dose of the psychoactive drug Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) to Mr Matovu on August 17.

Mr Matovu was charged with eight further offences including two counts of theft, fraud by false representation, inflicting grievous bodily harm and possession of a class C drug.

Mr Michels was 52 at the time of his death last August. He worked for the energy company SSE.

Mr Michels was also a part-time actor, and appeared in the James Bond film Skyfall (2012).

The defendants were remanded in custody following the plea hearing. They are due to appear at the Old Bailey for trial on 20 May.