A MAN has denied murdering a grandmother and attempting to murder her partner. 

Craig Bird, 31, of no fixed abode, is accused of murdering Colleen Westlake, 48, and attempting to murder Victor Westlake, 59.

He pleaded not guilty to both charges during a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday, June 29.

The victims were discovered by police responding to reports of an assault in Pines Road, Chelmsford on April 17 at 1.30am.

Paramedics pronounced Mrs Westlake dead at the scene and treated Mr Westlake for serious, life-threatening injuries.

He was taken to Broomfield Hospital where he was reported to be in a coma following the attack.

However, during the hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court prosecutor Peter Gair told the court Mr Westlake has sufficiently recovered to provide a statement to police.

He will also provide a statement via video link during the trial, which begins on October 17 at Chelmsford Crown Court and will undergo a medical assessment of his injuries.

Wearing a white and blue striped blue polo shirt, Bird spoke only to confirm his name and plead “not guilty” to both charges of the indictment during the hearing.

During the hearing, which took place on Wednesday, June 29, Judge Charles Gratwicke ordered Bird to be remanded in custody until the trial, which is expected to last two weeks.