The trial of a man accused of murdering the ex-gangster William 'Billyboy' Martindale is due to start April 29, at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Paul Groves, 33, of Queensway, Ongar, is also charged with causing Paul Meeking, 54, from East London, grievous bodily harm on the same day.
The incidents occurred at Meadow View Farm, in Mill Lane, on September 7 last year and the farm worker Groves denies the charges.
Groves was a neighbour of the self-confessed ex-gangster who claimed to have left the criminal world behind him after a police raid on his house in 2006.
Mr Martindale had previously been on the run from the police for nearly two decades, but since going straight had tried to discourage youngsters from turning to crime.
Paul Groves, 33, of Queensway, Ongar, is also charged with causing Paul Meeking, 54, from East London, grievous bodily harm on the same day.
The incidents occurred at Meadow View Farm, in Mill Lane, on September 7 last year and the farm worker Groves denies the charges.
Groves was a neighbour of the self-confessed ex-gangster who claimed to have left the criminal world behind him after a police raid on his house in 2006.
Mr Martindale had previously been on the run from the police for nearly two decades, but since going straight had tried to discourage youngsters from turning to crime.
