The man accused of killing Welshpool man Charlie Birch has pleaded not guilty to a charge of premeditated murder at a plea hearing in a Cyprus court.

The 35-year-old man, who cannot be identified due to Cypriot reporting restrictions, also pleaded not guilty to a second charge of the attempted murder Will Pritchard, 32, also of Welshpool.

Under Cypriot law, a conviction for premeditated murder carries an automatic life sentence.

Robert Birch, known as Charlie, 39, died after being hit by a car while walking down Peyia-Ayios Georghios Road, Paphos in an alleged hit-and-run incident in the early hours of June 24 while on holiday in Cyprus.

Mr Pritchard also sustained serious injuries in the incident, which is alleged to have taken place following an altercation in a bar in nearby Coral Bay.

According to local reports the defendant, who is a Georgian national, claims he hit the men by accident.

A car was later found abandoned in the sea at the Ayios Georghios harbour.

The suspect's 23-year-old girlfriend was arrested at the scene but was later released without charge.

A trial date was set for Tuesday, January 29, 2019. The defendant was remanded in custody.