An 18 year-old man has admitted unlawfully killing his girlfriend at a secluded beauty spot but denies murder and two counts of rape.
Baby-faced Adam Lewis pleaded not guilty despite his defence counsel declaring that it “may be difficult to convince the court” of his innocence.
Crop-haired, wearing a grey prison issue tracksuit, the teenager appeared via videolink from HMP Altcourse at Liverpool Crown Court fidgeting throughout a 30-minute hearing.
Mr Paul Wood QC, defending, said: “We await a psychiatric report because it is clear he wasn’t acting as an adult of his age would.
“He intends to plead not guilty to the count of rape and murder, however, it may be hard for him to convince the court he is not guilty.”
Prosecuting counsel Anya Horwood QC rejected the not guilty pleas and said they “are not acceptable”.
As well as two counts of rape and murder Lewis is charged with burglary and arson with intent to endanger life relating to an incident at a house of a man in Moreton.
He pleaded guilty to the lesser chargers and Recorder of Liverpool Clement Goldstone QC told him the date for his trial was fixed for 19th November.
Standing from his seat Lewis replied: “Thank you.”
Murder accused Lewis, of Fairmead Avenue, Moreton, was arrested hours after the body of 17 year-old Hannah Windsor was found on Bidston Hill on Wirral on 20th May.
Police found her corpse in undergrowth yards from a historic Grade II listed observatory which stands in a vast woodland area popular with hikers and dog walkers.
A post mortem found she died from multiple injuries, including being stabbed,and strangled.
Staff from the assisted accommodation where tragic Hannah lived with her family in Birkenhead reported her missing a week before the grisly discovery.
Read more at http://www.clickliverpool.com/news/local-news/1217352-suspect-denies-murder-and-rape-of-hannah-windsor-at-liverpool-court.html#oesJ0uhSzAo5O8Yw.99
