A MAN charged with murdering his wife has pleaded not guilty in court.

George Leather, of Tinling Close, Prescot appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link this morning (Friday, February 12) for a plea hearing.

Paula Leather, 56, was fatally injured at her home address in Tinling Close, Prescot in the early hours of Monday, November 16.

A post mortem examination ruled the cause of death to be stab wounds to the face and neck.

George Leather, 60, was arrested at the scene and later charged with the murder of Paula.

Leather pleaded not guilty during a hearing this morning before Judge Neil Flewitt QC.

The judge told him a trial has been earmarked to start on June 21 this year.

Leather was remanded back into custody and will next appear for a case management hearing to be held on Friday, April 9.

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Paula worked at Asda supermarket in St Helens for 25 years.

After her death, Paula's family issued a heartbreaking statement, in which they said she had "a smile that would light up the world".

Their tribute read: "Our gorgeous Mum has sadly been taken away from us in the most tragic of circumstances.

"Paula was beautiful inside and out; so kind, so loving and she was the person that was there for everyone.

"She was the mum of Jason, Jessica and Matthew and the proudest nanny to her first grandson.

"Paula was devoted to siblings Karen, Ian and Peter, to her large loving family and to her wonderful friends.

"She was a beautiful soul within her community with a smile to light up the world.

"Mum will be missed beyond words but the life, the love and the memories we shared together will live on forever."