A man accused of stabbing a have-a-go-hero street cleaner to death has pleaded not guilty to his murder.
Roger Philip Buckingham, 30, of Bentworth Road, Shepherd's Bush, west London, denied murdering Piotr Mikiewicz, 40, on August 29 this year.
Buckingham, who appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link, pleaded guilty to a burglary which took place on the same date and a theft which took place on August 25.
Mr Justice Saunders set a trial date of March 18 next year.
Mr Mikiewicz was attacked after trying to stop a house burglar in Rylett Road, Shepherd's Bush, where he had been working.
He hit the man several times with his broom and was stabbed once in the chest.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Mikiewicz, a Polish national, who was described as "a friend to everyone" by his employer, private contractor Serco.
Buckingham was remanded in custody.
