THREE men will stand trial over the death of a grandad who was injured during an alleged robbery.

Timothy Smith, 57, of Alfreda Avenue, Hullbridge, died after falling onto a low wall during an incident in The Drive, Hullbridge, on March 19.

Colin Garrod, 50, of Crowborough Road, Southend, and Andrew McVicar, 33, of Dewsgreen, Basildon, appeared at Basildon Crown Court yesterday.

Shaven-headed McVicar, wearing a black t-shirt, appeared via videolink, while Garrod appeared in the dock dressed in a grey jumper.

Both men entered not guilty pleas to the manslaughter of Timothy Smith, the robbery of Glen Mottram and possession of an imitation firearm.

Jamie Caborn, 28, of Luncies Road, Basildon, also appeared in the dock, dressed in a shirt and tie.

He is not charged with direct involvement in the robbery incident but faces a charge of being in possession of criminal property, namely £10,000 in cash. Caborn denied the allegation.

Christine Agnew, prosecuting, said: “When the matter was last listed the case was given a provisional trial date of January 8, 2018. As I understand it that’s fine and that’s the date that everyone is working towards.”

Judge John Lodge agreed the date for the trial.

Mr Smith previously lived in Stanford-le-Hope and worked as a roofer at the BP oil refinery in Corringham and at Tilbury Power Station.

He was made redundant and purchased the firm Doors, Floors and Stairparts, based in Pitsea, which he ran until his death.

Mr Smith was a well-known character in Hullbridge and was popular on the village social scene , where he was known for his love of Elvis and karaoke.

Mr Smith leaves his wife Lesley, two daughters Shellie, 33, and Natalie, 26, and four grandchildren. A third daughter, Jackie, 35, died four years ago.