A woman accused of ill-treating her two stepdaughters has denied child cruelty.

Noriko Moffat, 53, of Cardewlees, near, Dalston, formally entered not guilty pleas to both charges during a brief appearance before a judge at Carlisle Crown Court today.

The offences are said to have been committed over a 10 year period ending in 2005 against two alleged victims - the defendant's stepdaughters at the time Helen and Emma Moffat. Both are now adults.

The prosecution alleges that while Moffat was their stepmother the victims were subjected to behaviour which amounted to assault, ill-treatment and cruelty.

The trial, in June, is expected to last five days.

Moffat, who was granted bail, was represented in court by defence barrister Kim Whittlestone.