Woman denies Christmas Day murder of father-of-six

Kirsty Carless denies the murder of Louis Price

A woman has denied murdering a father-of-six on Christmas Day.

Kirsty Carless appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Friday charged with the murder of "well-loved" Louis Price on 25 December.

The 33-year-old, of Haling Way in Cannock, spoke only to confirm her name and to enter a not guilty plea to the single charge put to her during the 10-minute hearing.

Staffordshire Police said they were called to a report of a man in cardiac arrest at a property on Elm Road in Norton Canes, near Cannock, at around 03:25 GMT and that despite medical efforts, Mr Price, 31, died a short time later.

Despite medical efforts Louis Price died at the house in Elm Road

Judge Kristina Montgomery set the date for a three-week trial to begin on 14 July, and Ms Carless was remanded in custody to appear for a pre-trial review in the week commencing 12 May.

In a statement released through Staffordshire Police after his death, Mr Price's family described him as a "well-known member of the community" who was "well-loved" and always smiling.

They said: "He always had time for anyone and would help anyone he could.

"Louis was a devoted fisherman; he had a passion for fishing and regularly went away on trips with friends and family.

"He loved football; he played for a team and was a lifelong supporter of Aston Villa."