Monika Szmecht: Liverpool man pleads not guilty to murder

Sep 11 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

Police at the scene off Blindfoot Road, Rainford where Monika Szmecht was attacked and burned _320

A MAN has denied the murder of a young Polish woman who was found with severe burns in a country lane.

Anthony Clarke, 26, appeared before Liverpool crown court today via a video-link with Durham prison, where he is currently on remand.

Clarke, of Halsey Crescent, West Derby, Liverpool, pleaded not guilty to murdering waitress Monika Szmecht, 20.

She suffered fatal burns in a lay-by in Blindfoot Road, Rainford, on June 11.

She also had stab wounds and staggered 150 yards to a cottage to get help but died in hospital a short time later.

Judge Henry Globe QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, further remanded Clarke in custody to await his trial, which will start on December 10.