THREE men accused of murdering a Runcorn man have told a Crown Court judge they are innocent of the crime.

John Patrick Jameson, 40, Stephen McDonagh, 35, and John Edward Smith, 24, are all accused of murdering Wayne Douglas Shaw on August 30.

They made their first appearance at a preliminary hearing at Chester Crown Court on Monday.

The three are also accused of wounding Shaun Price on July 18.

Prosecutor John Shipley, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'These are linked cases in that it is alleged the three defendants were involved in a violent assault on Mr Price as a vendetta for a suggested assault on the son of McDonagh.

'Price had been suspected of this and we allege he was then attacked by all three defendants.

'The nature of the death of Mr Shaw came about when suspicions had transferred to him. Mr Shaw was assaulted in his own home.

'He died later in hospital from cirrhosis of the liver and the trauma of the alleged assault.

'This is part of an extensive investigation by the Cheshire police.'

Mr Shipley said Jameson, of Ferry View Walk, Castlefields, and McDonagh and Smith, both of Richards Close, all Runcorn, had all indicated 'not guilty' pleas to all the charges.

They will officially enter their pleas at a hearing at the Crown Court on Monday, December 3.

All three were remanded in custody.