A HOMELESS man and woman will stand trial for the murder of a Chester resident next month.

Christine Holleran, 50, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday where she pleaded not guilty to the murder of Andrew Mackenzie Nall on August 30 last year.

This follows a separate appearance in December by co-accused Gary Anthony George, 41, who also denied murdering 54-year-old Mr Nall, found stabbed to death at his Eversley Park flat, off Liverpool Road, Chester, the following day.

Prosecutor Ian Unsworth QC asked for an adjournment with a view to making an application to join both cases on the morning of the trial fixed for George on March 4 at Chester Crown Court.

Judge Elgan Edwards, Recorder of Chester, accepted the request but said the decision would be a matter for trial judge Mr Justice Openshaw.

Judge Edwards was told the estimated length of the trial was two to three weeks.

There was no application for bail for Holleran, who gave her address previously as Manor Hotel, Edge Lane, Liverpool. The defendant, who was wearing a white top and black jeans, was remanded in custody.

George, whose address was previously given as Chester Aid to the Homeless’s Crispin House in Nicholas Street, has also pleaded not guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent against Brian James Reilly, of no fixed address, following an incident near the fountains roundabout subway on August 31. Mr Reilly, 53, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his wrists and head.

George was also remanded in custody following his last appearance where there was no application for bail.