Man admits killing city dad but denies racial motive

A MAN has admitted being responsible for the death of a dad in Edinburgh.

Mustafa Elsherkisi yesterday made his first appearance in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow.

The 48-year-old is accused of the racially aggravated murder of Mohammed Idris Mirza, 47, in Stenhouse Gardens North on May 26 this year.

His lawyer Maurice Smyth entered a guilty plea to the reduced charge of culpable homicide without the racial accusation.

But, the offer was rejected by prosecutors meaning Elsherkisi continues to face the murder allegation.

He is also accused of a breach of the peace and an attack on Mohammed Iqbal Mirza - both of which are said to have been racially aggravated.

Mr Smyth said the accused denied those charges, which are alleged to have happened on the same day.

Judge Lord Tyre set a trial due to start on November 8 at the High Court in Edinburgh. It is expected the case could last up to nine days.