A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a woman who died after being hit by a car.
Rebecca Steer, 22, died shortly after she and a second pedestrian were struck by a car after it mounted the kerb outside the Grill Out takeaway in Oswestry in Shropshire at 2.50am on Sunday, October 9. Stephen McHugh will now face trial next year, charged with murdering Rebecca Steer, a Liverpool John Moores University student, and causing grievous bodily with intent to a man who was injured in the same incident.
In a tribute, her family described her as "the most loving, talented and kind hearted person you could ever wish to know". They said: "We are all completely devastated by the loss of our beautiful girl Rebecca. She always had a smile and a laugh that made everybody love her.
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“She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family. She was the best daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend anyone could ask for. Rest in Peace beautiful girl.“
Rebecca is believed to have been studying criminal justice at LJMU. McHugh, of Artillery Road, Park Hall, near Oswestry, appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Friday via a video-link to HMP Manchester.
He spoke only to confirm his name and that he denied charges of murder and unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Adjourning the case, the Recorder of Stafford, Judge Kristina Montgomery KC, told McHugh: "As you have heard, we have listed your trial on April 19, 2023. There is a good deal of work to be done in preparation for your trial. A further hearing has been scheduled for the 8th of March, at which final preparations for your trial can be made."
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