A WOMAN pleaded not guilty to the murder of a Bradford man today.

Ian Mitchell, 34, and Sarah Pearson, 22, will go on trial for the murder of 65-year-old Stephen Kershaw in February of next year.

Pearson, who appeared via a link from prison, pleaded not guilty to two counts at a hearing conducted by Judge Jonathan Rose at Bradford Crown Court this afternoon.

Both counts, murder and fraud, allegedly occurred between September 11 and 17.

The latter charge is in relation to dishonestly making gain by false representation.

Mitchell was absent from today's hearing.

The trial of both Mitchell and Pearson is set to take place on February 28 at Newcastle Crown Court and it is expected to last two weeks.

West Yorkshire Police launched an appeal to find Mr Kershaw after he was reported missing on September 13.

The investigation took a tragic turn following the discovery of a body on Shetcliffe Lane in East Bierley, where Mr Kershaw lived.

On September 22, it was confirmed Mitchell and Pearson, both of Shetcliffe Lane, had been charged with murder and fraud.

The defendants will remain in custody until the trial date.