A MAN accused of murdering a hotel working in the Lake District is intending to deny the allegation, a court has heard.

Mark Russell, 26, was charged with murder following the death of Gordon James Smith in Windermere on July 1.

The case came before Judge Paul Batty QC at Carlisle Crown Court today. 

Russell, of Holly Terrace, Windermere, is in custody and appeared in court through a video link. 

During the 15-minute preliminary hearing, Chris Evans, defending, indicated that Russell was intending to plead not guilty to the murder allegation. 

No formal plea was entered. 

An application was made by Mr Evans for Russell to be released from custody on strict bail conditions. 

But after hearing submissions both on Russell's behalf and from prosecution lawyer Gerard Rogerson, the application was turned down by Judge Batty. 

"I am not persuaded that this is an appropriate case to admit this applicant to bail," the judge concluded, before telling Russell. 

"You will for the moment remain in custody." 

Russell will next appear at the crown court on September 14 for a plea and case management hearing. 

Mr Smith, 44, died following an incident in the Brookside area of Windermere. He lived a short distance away at Church Street.