A MAN who admitted the murder of a Southampton father could now deny the charge – just months after entering a guilty plea.

Adam Abdallah has suggested he will now plead not guilty to murdering Kirpal Sanghera, whom he previously admitted stabbing to death in the middle of a Southampton street in September.

It comes after the 42-year-old's current legal team, led by Charles Gabb, withdrew from the case.

Mr Gabb cited a "breakdown" in the pair's professional relationship.

During a hearing at Winchester Crown Court yesterday, Abdallah told a judge that he had been "advised very badly" and his legal representatives had "refused to meet him".

Mr Gabb vehemently denied the claim to sitting judge, Jane Miller.

Judge Miller gave strict instructions to Abdallah, ordering him to find a new legal team quickly before she would entertain a potential change of plea.

But she warned that if Abdallah did change his plea, his chances of receiving a discounted prison sentence would “start evaporating".

She said: "There is now only three weeks until Christmas and I want this sorted out before then.

"Whichever solicitor you chose by the end of the week is going to need to know what is happening and if you are going to change your plea.

"I want this to be moved forward as quickly as possible.

"You should understand that from this point forward your guilty plea would get you credit of up to one-sixth of your sentence.

"That credit is going to start evaporating."

The final decision on whether Abdallah's new plea will be accepted or not will be made by a judge.

Abdallah's court appearance was his first since October, when he pleaded guilty to the murder of Kipral Sanghera.

The 42-year-old was arrested after Mr Sanghera, a father-of-two, was discovered with knife wounds at the junction of Union Road and Radcliffe Road in Southampton.

Mr Sanghera, 39, died in hospital after the attack, which took place late on September 18.

Witnesses say Mr Sanghera, known locally as ‘Budd’, was stabbed 'several times', including a fatal wound to his heart.

Neighbours attempted to help Mr Sanghera as he laid on the ground, but he was said to be unconscious before the arrival of paramedics.

Following Mr Sanghera’s death, police began a thorough investigation of the area, closing off the junction in three directions.

A tent was set up while forensic teams carried out their work, which continued throughout the day.

Police and detectives also swept the area, going door-to-door to speak to residents, as well as searching nearby bushes and bins.

Meanwhile, police conducted a manhunt, with armed officers smashing down a door to a flat just minutes away from the scene, in Cranbury Avenue.

Abdallah was arrested later that evening and charged with Mr Sanghera's murder.

He then appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court on 22 September.

Wearing a grey sweater, the 42-year-old spoke only to give his name, date of birth and address.

Members of Mr Sanghera’s family wept in the public gallery as Abdallah addressed the bench.

Mr Sanghera’s youngest brother, Sonie, had previously told the Echo that his brother was his “best friend”.

He said: “We were together all of the time.

“He will be sorely missed.”

Sister Jagpal Dosanjh, also paid tribute to Mr Sanghera, known to the family as ‘Pal’.

She described him as the "best brother you could get.".

Mr Sanghera was born and raised in Southampton, growing up on Radcliffe Road.

He attended St Mary’s Primary School before moving to Bellemoor Secondary School - now Upper Shirley High School - and later City College.