A murder trial following the killing of the “flower man of Islington” is set to take place next year at the Old Bailey.

Tony Eastlake, 55, died from a knife wound after being attacked near Essex Road just before 5.30pm on Saturday, May 29.

James Peppiatt, 21, of Elmore Road, is charged with his murder and a trial date has been set for next July. He has not yet entered a plea.

It is alleged Peppiatt stabbed Mr Eastlake following an altercation in Haliford Street.

On Monday, Peppiatt appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Belmarsh prison.

Judge Anthony Leonard QC set a trial of up to three weeks to start on July 18 next year.

He adjourned the plea hearing until September 13 and remanded Peppiatt into custody.

Mr Eastlake was described in court as a “very well known member of the local community” having worked on a flower stall opposite Essex Road station for about 40 years.