A MAN has denied a single charge of murdering student Linda Lietaviete.

Alvin Jay Santos, of Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, pleaded not guilty to killing the 16-year-old at Horseshoe Common on Friday, December 13 last year.

A post-mortem found that the teenager had died of two stab wounds to the chest.

Santos wore an oversized navy tshirt to the plea and case management hearing at Winchester Crown Court this morning.

He spoke to confirm his name and plea during the hearing.

Linda was a student at Bournemouth and Poole College.

She had attended Glenmoor School and volunteered at the Naomi House hospice charity shop in Boscombe.

Judge Keith Cutler said: "You have pleaded not guilty and I adjourn this case for trial.

"I hope that this will take place towards the end of May. That will be here (Winchester) in front of me. I shall be the judge and you will be tried by a jury. In the meantime I remand you into custody."

Kerry Maylin will prosecute the case, and William Mousley will defend Santos.