THE case of a man accused of killing Louis Bednall on Yeovil in December has been adjourned.

Matthew Sheridan chose not to leave his cell to attend the case management hearing at Exeter Crown Court.

He also missed a previous hearing because he was suffering from Covid-19.

READ MORE: Matthew Sheridan, charged with murder of Louis Bednall, has Covid-19

Sheridan, 29, of South Petherton, Somerset, is accused of the murder of the former security guard.

Father-of-five Mr Bednall, aged 40, from Teignbridge, was found with stab wounds at a flat in a Hendford Hill, Yeovil, on Saturday, December 12 and died later in hospital.

He came from South Devon and had worked as a security guard at Torbay Hospital and doorman at pubs and clubs including Pickwick in Paignton.

Mr Bednall’s family released a tribute and pictures of him last year.

READ MORE: Family pay tribute to Louis Bednall, who was killed in Yeovil

They said: “Louis was a father, grandfather, son, partner, brother, friend and everything in between and he filled these roles so whole-heartedly.

"It doesn’t matter who you were, if you were in Louis’s life you were family and if you needed him, he would be there unequivocally.

“He was courageous and fearless and lived the fastest life, surrounded by, and giving so much love, into every crack of everyone’s being. He had a soul that was always too beautiful for the world in which we live.

“Louis was the family lion, the family wolf and everybody’s protector. He was who everyone wanted at every gathering; making every moment filled with fun and happiness.

"He saved people; he saved them in so many ways and he did that unconditionally, never needing or wanting anything in return.

"Louis’s friends call him the most articulate person they know, they do that with a wry and knowing smile.

"Louis became a brother to so many, he picked people up and always stayed strong. He always told other people how strong they were, but that strength came from him.

“We are all utterly lost without Louis, the feeling of loss is resounding, but the feeling of love is equally so and felt from everyone he knew, from every corner of the world.”

Judge Peter Johnson adjourned the case for a further hearing where Sheridan is expected to appear with a new team of defence lawyers. He has not yet entered a plea.