A 53-year-old man has denied the murder of a transgender woman in Droitwich, wounding with intent and possession of a knife.

Martin Saberi denied the murder of Amy Griffiths between January 11 and January 14 this year, when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court yesterday.

As previously reported in the Worcester News, Amy Griffiths, aged 51, was discovered dead at her flat in Chalverton Court, Droitwich, on Monday, January 14. Police said she had suffered head and throat injuries.

After her death, friends described Amy as a 'hero' in the local LGBT community.

Connor Turner, one of Amy’s friends, said at the time of her death: “I was absolutely devastated when I heard about her death. I'm heartbroken.

"She didn't have a selfish bone in her body. She helped me through some difficult times when I was younger."

Saberi, appearing via videolink from Broadmoor, also denied wounding with intent against a second alleged victim, Charlotte Taylor, and possession of an offensive weapon (a knife) in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse on January 11 this year.

The defendant, previously of Brackley Close, Wallington, Surrey, will face a trial on September 30 this year at

Worcester Crown Court.

His Honour judge Robert Juckes QC gave Saberi the option of appearing in person or over the video link for his pre-trial review.

“I want to be there” replied Saberi.

Rachel Brand QC appeared at the hearing on behalf of the prosecution.

Paul Prior, defending, said he still had to serve a defence case statement and the judge ordered this to be prepared by August 12. Mr Prior said it would be necessary to first see the pathology report.

The pathology report and other scientific evidence is expected to be served by July 31.

A list of witnesses has already been prepared.

A pre-trial review is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 20 which is 10 days before the trial is due to begin.

The judge remanded Saberi in custody until the next hearing before closing down the link.