The former partner of a young mum who was found dying in her Carlisle home has denied murdering her.
The accused man, Miklos Verebes, 29, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today before the north's most senior judge, Mr Justice William Davis.
The defendant - bearded and wearing a white T-shirt - spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas.
He responded with the words "I am pleading not guilty for the murder" after the court clerk put the charge to him: that he murdered mum-of-two Melinda Korosi, 33, on September 15.
The defendant also entered not guilty pleas to 12 allegations of raping Miss Korosi on dates between January 2013 and July 20 this year.
Police found Miss Korosi, a mother of two small children, critically injured at her home in Orton Road, off Wigton Road, just after 6am in September 15.
Paramedics tried to save her but she died a short time later.
The judge ruled that the trial should begin on February 27 next year. It is expected to last six or seven days.
Verebes was remanded in custody until his trial. He was represented in court by James Heyworth QC while the prosecutor was represented by Paul Reid QC.
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