A former Keighley woman accused of murdering a man at a block of flats in Bradford is to contest the allegation, a court heard this week.

Alexia Heckles, 35, appeared for the first time at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard she faced a charge of murdering Scott Dunne, at Rosemary Gardens, Allerton.

Mr Dunne, 41, died at the scene from serious head injuries after being discovered at the flat in the early hours of Saturday.

Heckles’ solicitor, Tahir Ayub, told the court his client denied the allegation.

Mr Ayub said: “For the record, the allegation of murder is denied and will be contested at trial in due course.”

A number of members of Mr Dunne’s family were in the public gallery, along with senior detectives and police family liaison officers, for the brief two-minute hearing.

Heckles, who has shoulder-length dark hair, was accompanied in the secure dock by two women detention officers. Wearing a cream-coloured crocheted jumper over a blue and white striped top and black trousers, she confirmed her name, date of birth and address, when asked by the court clerk.

Prosecutor Nadine Clough told the Bench, of two women and a man, that the victim’s family was present in court.

Miss Clough said the matter would have to be sent to the crown court and the defendant could not apply for bail before the magistrates. She said custody time limits lasted until July 21.

Mr Ayub confirmed Heckles, of Rosemary Gardens, did not have the right to apply for bail at the magistrates’ court, but said he was putting the prosecution on notice that there would be an application for bail in due course.

Chairman of the Bench, Mrs Annette Hattersley, told Heckles the matter was being sent for trial at Bradford Crown Court.

Asked if she understood, Heckles nodded and replied: “Yeah.” As she left the dock she nodded towards two women sitting at the back of the court.

The next hearing was due to take place today.

* See tomorrow's Keighley News for a full report. Updates will appear on the website.