A man and woman accused of murder after a dad-of-two was shot dead have pleaded not guilty.
Liam Smith suffered a "fatal gunshot wound and acid attack" and was discovered on Kilburn Drive in Shevington, Wigan at around 7pm on November 24 last year. Michael Hiller, 38, of Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, and Rachel Fulstow, 37, of Andrew Drive, York, both pleaded not guilty to murder during a hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Monday, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The defendants appeared in court via video link and are set to go on trial in July. Ms Fulstow is also accused of perverting the course of justice. She was not asked to enter a plea to that charge during the hearing.
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A further administrative hearing before the trial was scheduled for May. Judge Nicholas Dean KC, the Honorary Recorder of Manchester, told the defendants: "Michael Hiller and Rachel Fulstow, you have pleaded not guilty to the allegation of murder.
"Ms Fulstow, as far as you are concerned the second count, which alleges perverting the course of justice, will be put to you at the next occasion. Your trial will begin on July 10 and is likely to be at Minshull Street, within Manchester of course. Before that there will be a hearing on May 15.
"That hearing will be a further case management hearing, where directions will be given for the trial itself. For the moment you are both remanded in custody."
Phil Smith, Mr Smith's father, previously paid tribute to his son. He said: "Not only was Liam a devoted father, but he was also a dearly loved son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandson and friend. Liam worked and grafted as hard as he could as an electrician to give his boys the best start in life he could possibly give."
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