A MAN has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Rebecca Steer on a night out in Oswestry last month.

Stephen McHugh, 27, of Artillery Road, Park Hall, near Oswestry, was last month charged with the murder of Ms Steer, as well as of causing grievous bodily harm against another victim, Kyle Roberts.

On Friday, November 11, he appeared via video link for a plea hearing at Stafford Crown Court, at which he denied both offences.

Ms Steer died in hospital shortly after being hurt when a car mounted the kerb outside the Grill Out takeaway in Willow Street, Oswestry, Shropshire, in the early hours of Sunday October 9.

Mchugh will now face trial between three to four weeks starting on April 19, 2023, also at Stafford, with a High Court Judge presiding over the proceedings.

McHugh appeared from HMP Manchester, where he has been moved to from HMP Hewell, in Worcestershire, wearing a grey jumper, and he pleaded not guilty to the two charges. 

A pre-trial review was scheduled for March next year. 

Her Honour Judge K Montgomery KC finished proceedings with some stern words about cooperation for the defendant and set his trial date. 

She said: "Stephen McHugh as you've heard, you have been listed for trial on April 19, 2023, and you are likely to be produced to this court.

"There's a good deal of work to be done in preparation for this trial and you must play your part in it. 

"If you don't, it will be down to you to come here and explain yourself. 

"The trial is listed for the dates mentioned."