A MAN has today denied killing a mum-of-two whose body was found days after she "disappeared into a transit van".
Katie Kenyon, 33, vanished in April after leaving a home in Burnley with a man before travelling in the silver van.
Her body was found in the Forest of Bowland on April 29 with a post mortem confirming she died from head injuries.
Andrew Burfield, 50, today pleaded not guilty to murder during an appearance at Preston Crown Court.
Burfield spoke only to confirm his name and to enter a not guilty plea when the charge of murder was read to him by the court clerk.
Several members of Katie’s family watched proceedings from the public gallery.
Read more UK news
Woman dies after car is pushed onto tracks in crash as Tube line is suspended
Winner of best joke of Edinburgh Fringe revealed – do you agree?
Her sister Sarah Kenyon previously said the family were "absolutely overwhelmed" by the support they have been shown following her death.
Tributes have since poured in for much-loved Katie, with friends and family paying their respects.
Katie's sister, Jenny, wrote on Facebook: "Will love you forever and always my beautiful big sister."
She added: "Can’t thank everybody enough for the support you have all shown for beautiful Katie and Katie’s beautiful children."
Most read in The Sun
Fury's cousin killed 'after row in pub before going outside for straightener'
This Morning makes shock U-turn to announce comeback of HUGE star
Emmerdale's Laura Norton reveals she's pregnant with co-star's second baby
Final hours of Tyson Fury's cousin revealed before he was knifed to death
A close friend said: "I can’t even tell you how devastating this has been to a family who are so tight knit.
"Katie, you are absolutely beautiful, you are so loved by your sisters, your mum (your absolute twin joined at the hip!) your nieces, nephews, your entire family. But most of all, your children.
"Gorgeous gorgeous girl! An absolute diamond and clearly loved by so many people."
A search for Katie was launched after a woman matching the mum-of-two’s description was seen travelling with a man in the Transit to Bolton by Bowland near Gisburn Forest.
Specialist officers were seen trawling the woodland for clues as they stepped up the search for Katie.
Tragically her body was found eight days later.
Read More on The Sun
Fury as prisoners getting paid £100s in Universal Credit while IN jail
Eight laws you probably didn’t know about, break one and you risk a £50k fine
Burfield will next appear at Preston Crown Court for a pre-trial review hearing on November 4.
The date for his trial – expected to last two to three weeks – has been fixed for November 15.
Source: Read Full Article
