A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of his brother.

Edgars Amelko, 30, is accused of killing Aigors Amelko at a house in Newmains, Lanarkshire on June 27 2020.

Prosecutors claim Amelko repeatedly punched the 28 year-old on the head and body.

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He is also said to have inflicted "blunt force trauma" by means unknown to his brother's head, neck and body.

Amelko faces an earlier charge of assaulting Aigors at the same property by struggling with him and placing him in a headlock.

His QC Tony Graham on Thursday pleaded not guilty on his behalf.

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The advocate said he was ready for a trial being set.

However, this was not possible due to the current pandemic.

Lord Arthurson instead fixed a further hearing in May.