A man is set to face a trial after denying murdering a woman last month.

Mashal Ilyas, 24, was found dead at a house on Oxford Road in Atherton after police were called to an incident on Wednesday, October 9.

Nadeem Begum, 52, was charged with her murder and he has now pleaded not guilty after being brought before Bolton Crown Court yesterday, Thursday.

The Honorary Recorder for Bolton Judge Martin Walsh said: “I’ve fixed a timetable for the preparation of the case and that requires the prosecution to serve evidence at certain dates.”

He added: “And Mr Begum’s solicitor will be required to serve a defence statement to the court.”

The case was heard at Bolton Crown CourtThe case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

Dressed in a plain grey T-shirt and glasses Begum, of Oxford Road, Atherton, listened on through a Punjabi interpreter as the proceedings unfolded.

Prosecutor Vanessa Thompson and Christopher Hudson, defending, agreed that the case will come back to court at later dates to “take stock” before the trial takes place.

Judge Walsh said that these further hearings would take place to make sure that the case is “on track” before the trial takes place. 

The trial is expected to begin on April 29 next year with an estimated length of 10 days.