A WOMAN today denied murdering her boyfriend by attacking him with a plate and stabbing him with a broken fragment.

Sarah Lewis, 45, is accused of killing 50-year-old Paul Lavelle at his flat in Old Chester Road, Rock Ferry on May 27.

His body was discovered inside the home at around 9am the following day after emergency services were called.

Police said a preliminary post-mortem examination found the cause of Mr Lavelle’s death to be facial injuries.

Lewis, of Croxteth Avenue, Seaforth, who appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link from Styal prison, also denied an alternative lesser charge of manslaughter.

Benjamin Myers, QC, prosecuting, said a trial ,which is estimated to last five to 10 days, has been fixed to begin on January 22 next year.

Defence barrister Jamie Baxter, told the court Lewis denied assaulting Mr Lavelle "with a plate or stabbing him".

Lewis was further remanded in custody until her trial.