A SUSPECT accused of murdering a man in Cowley Road has appeared in court. 

Rodney Brain was called before Judge Ian Pringle at Oxford Crown Court this morning, speaking only to confirm his name.

Wearing a grey t-shirt and grey tracksuit trousers, the 41-year-old appeared via video link from HMP Bullingdon near Bicester.

A date for his trial was set for Monday, January 13, expected to last between one and two weeks. 

He did not enter a plea but a hearing for his arraignment was scheduled for October 7.

ALSO READ: Victim named as man accused of murder appears in court

Brain, of Laurel Close in Carterton, is charged with murdering 57-year-old Graham Collier from Oxford.

Mr Collier died on Saturday in hospital, having sustained serious head injuries on Cowley Road in East Oxford last Thursday. 

Thames Valley Police said officers were called to a ‘verbal altercation’ at about 7.20pm. 

The court sat in chambers while Brain’s defence barrister made an application for his bail, meaning the press benches and public gallery were cleared so the application could be heard in private. 

The court has confirmed that the bail application was refused.