Woman denies murdering dad of six on Christmas Day
A woman has denied murdering a "well-loved" father of six on Christmas Day along with three other charges relating to him.
Kirsty Carless, 33, appeared at Stafford Crown Court via video link on Friday, where she pleaded not guilty to murdering Louis Price, 31.
She spoke only to enter her pleas and confirm she could hear the court and said, "Thank you, judge", at the end of the 15-minute hearing.
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, just before 03:00 GMT on 25 December. Despite medical efforts, Mr Price died a short time later.
Carless, of Haling Way in Cannock, denied murder and three other charges of possessing a kitchen knife in a taxi on 25 December; intentionally strangling Mr Price on 11 November; and causing actual bodily harm to Mr Price on the same day.
Judge Kristina Montgomery KC said Carless would have to appear in person in front of the trial judge for a pre-trial hearing on 11 July.
The trial is expected to start on 14 July and last for three weeks.
In a statement released through Staffordshire Police, 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.
"As a family we are devastated at losing Louis. Life will never be the same without him, he leaves a huge hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.
"Christmas is a time we have always spent together as a family, to lose Louis at this time is even harder."
He had four daughters and two sons, who he loved dearly, they said.
Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
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