Man denies murdering 44-year-old Leeds woman Sam Varley at house in Harehills

Warren Spence, 54, made a brief appearance at Leeds Crown Court this morning , charged over the death of Sam Varley in February.

Appearing via video link from HMP Leeds and dressed in prison-issue clothing, he only spoke to confirm his name before formally entering a not-guilty plea to the charge of murder.

A trial date of July 29 has been set and is expected to last two week. He was remanded back into custody.

The body of 44-year-old Ms Varley was found at a house on Brownhill Terrace on the afternoon of February 12 following reports to police about her welfare. Officers then forced entry. Spence was arrested days later.

Becky Joyce, who co-runs the local charity the Homeless Street Angels said that she became close to Ms Varley over the last four years and paid tribute.

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She said: "She was full of life. She always cared for other people and wanted to help them. If she had a couple of quid spare she would give it away to someone."