Man denies murdering woman walking her dog

Anita Rose was attacked while walking her dog on the Stour Estuary in Suffolk

A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 57-year-old Anita Rose who was attacked while walking her dog in Suffolk.

Ms Rose was found unconscious in Brantham, near Ipswich, at about 06:25 BST on Wednesday, 24 July and she died at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge four days later.

Roy Barclay, 55, of no fixed address, was charged in October with murder.

He appeared via video link at Ipswich Crown Court where he entered his plea and a trial date was set for 27 May.

Suffolk Police said an ambulance was called by a male cyclist who found Ms Rose on a track near sewage works off Rectory Lane in the village, which is on the north bank of the Stour Estuary.

Her dog, a springer spaniel called Bruce, was still with her and was unharmed.

Mr Barclay was remanded in custody and Judge Martyn Levett said the trial would be preceded by a case management hearing on 28 February at the same court.