FOUR people accused of murdering Carlisle man Lee McKnight have denied the allegation during a hearing at the city’s crown court.

During a 40 minute hearing this afternoon, the defendants – four of the six people accused of the killing - formally entered their not guilty pleas to murdering 26-year-old Mr McKnight on July 24 last year.

They included the youngest among the accused. He can be named today for the first time because he has become an adult.

The four in court today all entered not guilty pleas.

They were:

* Jamie Andrew Davison, 26, of Beverly Rise, Harraby, Carlisle;

* Carol Diane Edgar, 47, formerly of The Crescent, Cummersdale, Carlisle;

* Coral Edgar, 26, formerly of Charles Street, Carlisle;

* And 18-year-old from Jamie Lee Roberts, of Grey Street, Carlisle.

The court clerk then put a charge to Janice Edgar, 40, of Charles Street, Carlisle.

She denied an allegation of assisting an offender by going to an address in Charles Street with intent to "conceal evidence" of an attack on Mr McKnight.

She also denied three counts of possessing illegal drugs with intent to supply – diazepam, pregabalin and heroin.

Two other defendants charged with murdering Mr McKnight were not able to appear in court today due to covid related restrictions.

They will enter their pleas within the next few weeks.

Judge Simon Medland QC confirmed that the trial will begin on May 10.

He remanded all the defendants in custody until May 14. The charges were brought after Mr McKnight's body was found in the River Caldew.

* The News & Star has been asked to point out that Carol Diane Edgar no longer lives at The Crescent, Cummersdale.