A man charged over the death of David Blake at Creswick's Farmers Arms Hotel last year has pleaded not guilty.
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Shane Andrew Lucas, 41, was charged with one count of manslaughter following Mr Blake's death outside the Albert Street pub on November 24.
Police allege an altercation occurred between the two Creswick men just before 2am.
Mr Blake died at the scene.
Lucas faced the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Thursday by video link for a committal mention where he pleaded not guilty to one count of manslaughter.
When magistrate Ron Saines asked Lucas if he was guilty or not guilty, Lucas replied with, "not guilty".
Mr Saines committed Lucas to stand trial and the case will proceed via hand-up brief to the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Lucas did not make an application for bail and he was remanded in custody until July 3 for a directions hearing at the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Mr Blake, 39, more widely known as 'Tender', was a valued and trustworthy friend to many and was widely respected within the Creswick community.
At his funeral service in Creswick in December, lifelong friend Darren Mitchell said warmth radiated from Mr Blake.
He said Mr Blake's greatest and ongoing legacy was the enormous network of friends he had left behind.
Mr Blake's brother, Trevor Blake, said, 'we will always be heartbroken but we will never forget you, big fella. We love you".
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