A BRYNMAWR man has denied murdering a Abergavenny man.

During his appearance at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday Gareth Jenkins aged 47, of Boundary Street, Brynmawr pleaded not guilty to the murder of 56 year old Harry Towers - known locally as Harry the Hat - following an incident outside the Britannia pub on Frogmore Street on October 28, 2010.

Jenkins was not charged with his murder until August this year and at the court hearing, Judge Mr Justice Roderick Evans said that the case was being adjourned for additional medical evidence to be obtained and said that the prosecution should look at the alternative charge of manslaughter.

Mr Justice Evans said that a further plea and case management hearing would now take place at a date and time to be fixed before the end of this year.

Jenkins was granted conditional bail and was informed that he will be electronically tagged allowing him to remain at his home address.

The judge also warned Jenkins that as part of his bail conditions he was not allowed to buy alcohol or to go to any premises that sold alcohol.