A WOMAN has appeared before a judge to deny murdering a man in Blackburn.

Deanha Leanne Neely, 32, of no fixed address but formerly of Burnley, appeared at Preston Crown Court over video link from New Hall Prison.

She is accused of killing 71-year-old Derek Taylor at an industrial unit in Cross Fold, Blackburn.

During the short hearing Neely, a former Burnley schoolgirl, spoke only to confirm her name and enter her not guilty plea.

She was remanded in custody to stand trial at the court on May 15.

Neely, who formerly lived in Hollingreave Road, Burnley, and is understood to have attended Habergham High School, is alleged to have murdered Mr Taylor between December 31 and January 18.

Police said Mr Taylor’s body was discovered in the industrial unit just off Haslingden Road, at 7pm on January 18.