Prison officer denies murdering man found dead on his 40th birthday
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA prison officer has denied murdering a man who was found dead on his 40th birthday. James Johnson, 29, pleaded not guilty to murdering David Toulson in Salford.
The emergency services were called to a block of flats in Adelphi Street just before 5.30pm on Saturday, June 25, where Mr Toulson was pronounced dead. Officers were initially called to reports of concern for the welfare of a man.
Mr Johnson appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday morning for a pre-trial hearing, when he formally entered his not guilty plea. He is due to go on trial in December.
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"The purpose of this hearing is for me to give directions to allow for the preparation of your case for trial," Judge Patrick Field QC told Mr Johnson. "I now adjourn this case until the pre-trial review on November 4, you will remain in custody until that date."
Mr Johnson, of Clarence Street, Darwen, who is employed as a prison guard at HMP Forest Bank in Salford, appeared in court via video link from prison. In a tribute released via Greater Manchester Police, Mr Toulson's family said: "It’s with a heavy heart and disbelief that our beloved son, brother and uncle Dave, tragically lost his life on 25th June 2022.
"As a family we are heartbroken beyond belief to have lost him so young. He will be forever in our hearts and missed by many."
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