A man accused of brutally murdering his grandfather has pleaded not guilty in the High Court in Suva.

Charles Laxton Sundar appeared before Justice Usaia Ratuvili this morning and entered a not guilty plea to one count of murder.

The court heard that an assessment by St Giles Psychiatric Hospital found Sundar fit to stand trial and take a plea.

It is alleged that on July 12 last year, at Navokadamu Settlement in Lutu, Wainibuka, Sundar used a cane knife to slit his grandfather’s throat, inflicting serious injuries that resulted in his death.

It is further alleged that Sundar later dismembered the body and placed the remains in a sack.

The State informed the court that Sundar had made a full admission to police and that the defence was not challenging the record of interview.

The matter has been adjourned to the 22nd of this month for a trial date to be set.