Man denies body parts murder

A 37-year-old man has denied murdering a kitchen salesman whose body parts were found dumped in Hertfordshire and Leicestershire.

Stephen Marshall, from Borehamwood, appeared via video link from prison on Monday to deny murdering 49-year-old Jeffrey Howe.

Sarah Bush, 20, of London, is also charged with murder and appeared via video link from a separate prison. She did not, however, enter a plea.

Mr Marshall confirmed his name to the court before entering a not guilty plea to the charge of murdering Mr Howe sometime between March 8th and 29th.

Judge Michael Blake then adjourned the case and set a trial date for January next year.

The custody time limits on both Mr Marshall and Ms Bush were also extended until January 15th 2010.

Post-mortem tests have revealed Mr Howe died from a single stab wound to the back. His head was found in a field in Leicestershire, while his torso, left forearm and legs were also found separately in locations in Hertfordshire.