Young man denies murdering elderly woman in Wakefield house fire

A man accused of starting a house fire that killed an elderly woman has denied being responsible for her death.

Joshua Hodlin appeared at Leeds Crown Court this morning where he formally entered a not-guilty plea to murdering the pensioner in Knottingley in July.

The 24-year-old was over a video link from HMP Leeds.

The trial, set to start on January 12 next year, is expected to last around a week.

Hodlin, of Harwood Avenue, Pontefract, will remain in custody until his trial. Further stage dates were set which will take place before the trial begins.

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Hodlin is accused of starting the blaze at the property on Yew Tree Walk, Knottingley, on the evening of Sunday, July 5.

Shirley Hodlin, 75, died in the fire.

Hodlin was arrested and charged shortly afterwards.