A MAN accused of murdering of Big Issue seller at a house in Glasgow will go on trial next year.

Jason Cowan, 46, is alleged to have broken in the house at 57 Hermitage Avenue, Knightswood, Glasgow, occupied by 50- year-old Paul Kelly on June 15 with intent to steal and repeatedly stabbed him on the body with a knife.

He is also accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by changing his clothing attempting to clean blood off a knife and disposing of the knife.

During his appearance in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow Cowan denied both charges.

READ MORE: Buchanan Street vigil held for Paul Kelly

Judge Johanna Johnston set the trial date for March 9, next year.

Mr Kelly was found injured in Knightswood and died at the scene.

At the time Big Issue editor Paul McNamee paid tribute to Mr Kelly, who sold the magazine in Glasgow city centre and in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire.

He said: "He was such a sweet man. We talked a lot, many times a week, just putting the world to rights. He always had plenty to say.

"Paul was both tough and really gentle. He was such a part of The Big Issue, such a part of Glasgow city centre.”