A SERVING soldier is due to go on trial next year after pleading not guilty to the murder of young mum Natasha 'Tasha' Wake.

Jay Nava, 26, was charged after officers found Miss Wake at a maisonette in Harley Gardens, off Vale Road, at 2.40pm on Sunday, October 2.

The mum-of-two had sustained multiple stab wounds.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nava, who serves with 29 Commando Royal Artillery, was arrested after a search of Hengistbury Head.

The defendant, of Royal Citadel, The Hoe, Plymouth, is accused of murdering Miss Wake sometime between Friday, September 30 and Monday, October 3.

He entered a not guilty plea at a plea and trial preparation hearing at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday, December 8 and will face a trial in March next year.