The man who has been charged with the murder of a 66-year-old Little Gaddesden grandfather appeared in crown court for the first time this morning.
Ian McLoughlin appeared at St Albans Crown Court via video link from the prison where he is being held in custody.
He is charged with the murder of 66-year-old Graham Buck at a house in Nettleden Road, Little Gaddesden, on Saturday, July 13.
Police say Mr Buck received fatal stab wounds after dashing to the aid of his 87-year-old neighbour two doors away, who was being robbed in his home.
McLoughlin, 55, is also charged with the robbery of the neighbour, Francis Cory-Wright, and possessing six small bags of cannabis.
He was arrested four days after the killing in Tottenham, north London.
Today Judge Andrew Bright listed the case for a plea and case management hearing on October 11 when McLoughlin will be expected to enter pleas to the charges his faces.
Before that a hearing will be held at the end of August for a trial date to be fixed.
Following McLoughlin’s arrest, two other people have also been charged with assisting an offender.