Islington flower seller murder: Man pleads not guilty over Tony Eastlake killing

Tony Eastlake had worked opposite Essex Road station for 40 years

A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a flower seller in north London.

Tony Eastlake, 55, known as the "flower man of Islington", collapsed and died at his Essex Road stall from a single stab wound to the back on 29 May.

James Peppiatt, 21, of Elmore Road, Islington, is accused of attacking Mr Eastlake, his late mother's partner, with a knife following an altercation.

The Old Bailey heard he will cite self-defence at a trial on 18 July 2022.

Members of the victim's family were present in court as Peppiatt entered his plea by video link from Belmarsh prison.