Andrew Bell has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Leanne Park, a care worker from the North East whose body was found in Darlington town centre in September.
Court appearance and charges
Bell appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Monday facing a charge of murder dating between September 21 and 29. The 44-year-old entered a not guilty plea.
Bell, of The Bar in Richmond, North Yorkshire, will return to court on March 8 next year for trial. Judge Francis Laird KC told him: "I will adjourn your case for trial. That trial has been fixed for March 8 2027."
Case details and next steps
The case will be tried by a High Court judge yet to be nominated. Bell was remanded into custody and will next appear at court for a pre-trial hearing on January 29.
Leanne worked at Ventress Hall Care Home, whose staff paid tribute to her on social media following her death, writing: "Leanne was always so kind and would do anything for anybody, especially our residents."
