Man denies murder of student

Man denies murder of student

Nicola was studying art and photography

A father-of-three has denied the murder of an A-level student who was beaten to death while walking to a New Year party six years ago.

Colin Waite was remanded in custody at Birmingham Crown Court after pleading not guilty to killing 17-year-old Nicola Dixon.

The body of the Northumberland-born student was found in the grounds of a rectory in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.

Ms Dixon, who was brought up in Pegswood, near Morpeth, was studying art and photography at Fairfax School, Sutton Coldfield.

She was found dead on New Year's Day 1997.

The defendant, 41, of Ketley Croft, Highgate, Birmingham, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea during the 15-minute hearing.

He is formally accused of killing the teenager on a day between 30 December, 1996, and 2 January, 1997.

Mr Justice Hughes adjourned the case after setting a trial date of 12 November.