A man will stand trial accused of fatally stabbing his housemate in April. 

Eugen Coman, 33, is said by prosecutors to have stabbed Leonid Laboshin 27 times in the neck and back at the home they shared in Pinnocks Way, Botley, on October 17.

Appearing before Oxford Crown Court this morning wearing a grey tracksuit and blue surgical mask, Coman, of Pinnocks Way, was not asked to enter pleas to charges of murder and possession of bladed articles.

Judge Ian Pringle QC remanded him into custody and ordered psychiatric reports. Coman is expected to return to the Oxford court on April 1 for a further case management hearing, when he will be asked for his pleas to the charges.

Coman spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood his case was being adjourned.

The trial, which is expected to last two to three weeks, will start on April 19.

Last year, 31-year-old Mr Laboshin’s family released a moving tribute describing him as sensitive and intelligent whose death had brought 'endless pain'. 

“He was a caring and loving son, brother and uncle. He loved to play guitar and learnt to play the violin and piano. He loved music," the family said.