Man denies killing mother-of-two

Kelly McKitten had been badly beaten

A 26-year-old man has denied murdering a mother-of-two found dead at her County Durham home.

The badly beaten body of Kelly McKitten, 31, was discovered at Gardiner Crescent, Pelton Fell, Chester-le-Street, on 20 February.

Stuart Cummings, of Derwent Close, Sacriston, appeared before Newcastle Crown Court.

He pleaded not guilty to Ms McKitten's murder and was remanded in custody to face trial on 4 August.