Man denies killing Welsh tourist

Lavern Ritch was on a two-week holiday visiting friends

A man accused of murdering a Cardiff fitness instructor while on holiday in America has denied killing him when he appeared in a New Jersey court.

Robert Davies, 47, allegedly stabbed Lavern Ritch once in the chest before fleeing the scene of a disagreement.

Ritch, 37, of Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly afterwards.

Mr Davies, who also denies aggravated manslaughter, manslaughter and weapons charges, will reappear on September 29.

Mr Ritch who was once voted one of UK's most eligible bachelors, was stabbed when he intervened in a street fight.

Mr Davies appeared at the Atlantic County Superior court in New Jersey on Thursday.

Judge Albert J Garofolo ordered Davies, who waived a reading of the charges and entered a plea of not guilty, to next appear in court on 29 September, Atlantic County assistant prosecutor William Merz said.

He was remanded in custody in lieu of 500,000 US dollars (£281,400) bail.

US prosecutors have said Mr Ritch was stabbed once in the chest as he attempted to break up a fight between Mr Davies and another individual near Maynard's Cafe in Margate while on a night out with friends on August 12 last year.

Mr Ritch was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the stabbing.