A MAN has denied murdering his former partner at her Westcliff home.

Simon Meecham is alleged to have murdered 26-year-old Leanne Meecham, by stabbing her. She died in hospital, a week after the incident.

Meecham, from Rosewood Lane, Shoebury, was remanded in custody after a brief appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court. There was no application for bail.

The 42-year-old was charged after an incident, on February 13, at Miss Meecham's home, in Park Street, Westcliff.

She was discovered by a neighbour at about 9.30am and was later airlifted to the Royal London Hospital, where she was placed in a medicallyinduced coma as a result of her condition. She died a week later, on Thursday, February 20.

A post-mortem examination revealed she died from a brain injury, which was the result of a cardiac arrest following a stab wound to her neck.

The court heard a trial date has been set for the end of July, with a time frame of seven to ten days estimated.