A PARTYGOER accused of stabbing a fellow guest to death outside a charity New Year’s Eve party six years ago has denied murder.

Mark Parrish, 37, of Hilldene Avenue, Harold Hill, is said to have stabbed Christopher Taylor, 25, to death and wounded his uncle Barry Edwards, 38, outside the venue in Harold Hill on January 1, 2004.

Mr Taylor, of Heaton Way, Harold Hill, died after the alleged attack near the Electric Board and Social Club, in Ashton Road, where his family had organised the party to raise money for the children’s ward at Oldchurch Hospital (now Queen’s Hospital).

Parrish, who appeared via video link, denied murder, attempted murder and wounding with intent during a brief hearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, October 6.

A post mortem gave Mr Taylor’s cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

His uncle suffered three wounds.

Parrish will be tried on either March 7 or May 9 next year.

His counsel will make a bail application on October 8.