A MAN has denied murdering a young chef from Odiham.

Andrew Morris, 30, of Lavender Sweep, Battersea, pleaded not guilty to murdering Henry Stangroom when he appeared at the Old Bailey in London on Monday.

Mr Stangroom, whose family lives in Rye Common, Odiham, was found dead at his house in Battersea, south west London, on Thursday, October 17.

The 21-year-old, a former Lord Wandsworth College pupil, was found with stab wounds to the heart and lungs. He lived in London and worked as a chef at the upmarket Criterion Restaurant in Piccadilly Circus, London.

Morris, who was remanded in custody, will next appear in court for trial on Monday, April 7.