A MAN charged with the murder of Robert Sempey in Haydock will face trial this summer.

Ian Robertson, 33, of Beilby Road, Haydock, denies murdering 37-year-old Mr Sempey in January.

Meanwhile, Kirsty Jervis, 30, of the same address, also denied a charge of assisting an offender at an earlier hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.

The body of 37-year-old Mr Sempey, who was from Newton-le-Willows, was discovered in a back garden on Bielby Road, Haydock on Sunday, January 21.

Robertson is accused of murdering Mr Sempey between Thursday, January 18 and Sunday 21.

A Home Office post mortem examination established that he died as a result of stab wounds.

A tribute to Robert from partner Lisa said: “All he wanted to do was enjoy life and have fun, he always said I was his angel and I will make him proud.

“I love him and miss him so much he'll always be my boy."

Sister Shell said: “Life will never be the same without him. If only I could have one last call I'd talk to him all night and never miss his call again."

Robertson and Jervis will face trial at Manchester Crown Court scheduled to start on Monday, July 16.