A man accused of butchering a woman and hiding her dismembered body in a coal house formally denied the charge yesterday.

William Johnstone, 27, entered a not guilty plea to murder during a short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

Mr Johnstone is accused of murdering Sandra Black, 39, who had lived at a number of addresses in Sunderland and Gateshead over the past 14 years, between September 21 and September 25, last year.

Her body was found at a house in Gateshead.

Mr Johnstone, of Cambourne Grove, Gateshead, was remanded in custody and a trial date was set for June 12.