THE partner of a woman who was killed in her home made his first appearance before a judge yesterday accused of killing her.
Peter Wyatt, 51, appeared at Teesside Crown Court accused of killing Audrey Badger, 42, at her house in Stirling Way, Thornaby, on February 11.
A second post-mortem examination on her body was conducted on Wednesday night by Dr John Cooper, a Home Office pathologist.
The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox QC, fixed a two-week trial for September 5 after he was told that 91 people have given witness statements to the police.
Mr Wyatt's lawyer Peter Wishlade said that the murder charge was denied.
There was no application for bail but one may be made later.
Mr Wyatt, of Mansfield Avenue, Thornaby, was remanded in custody.
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