Man and woman DENY murder after Liam Smith killed in shooting and acid attack in Wigan

A man and a woman accused of murder after an electrician was shot dead have pleaded not guilty. The body of 38-year-old Liam Smith was discovered on Kilburn Drive in Shevington, Wigan, at around 7pm on November 24 last year.

Greater Manchester Police said he had suffered 'a fatal gunshot wound and an acid attack'. Michael Hiller, 38, of Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, and Rachel Fulstow, 37, of Andrew Drive, York, both pleaded not guilty to murder during a hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Monday morning.

Ms Fulstow is also accused of perverting the course of justice. She was not asked to enter a plea to that charge during the hearing.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to 'beautiful soul' at centre of murder probe

The defendants, who appeared in court earlier by video link, are set to go on trial in July.

A further administrative hearing before the trial was scheduled for May. Judge Nicholas Dean KC, the Honorary Recorder of Manchester, told the defendants: "Michael Hiller and Rachel Fulstow, you have pleaded not guilty to the allegation of murder.

"Ms Fulstow, as far as you are concerned the second count, which alleges perverting the course of justice, will be put to you at the next occasion. Your trial will begin on July 10 and is likely to be at Minshull Street, within Manchester of course. Before that there will be a hearing on May 15.

"That hearing will be a further case management hearing, where directions will be given for the trial itself. For the moment you are both remanded in custody."

Phil Smith, Mr Smith's father, previously paid tribute to his son. He said: "Not only was Liam a devoted father, but he was also a dearly loved son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandson and friend. Liam worked and grafted as hard as he