Tia Sharp trial: Stuart Hazell denies killing partner's 12-year-old granddaughter

Stuart Hazell denies killing 12-year-old Tia Sharp, his partner's granddaughter (PA)

Stuart Hazell today denied killing 12-year-old Tia Sharp, his partner's granddaughter.

Hazell, 37, appeared in Court One at the Old Bailey via videolink from Belmarsh prison.

He pleaded not guilty to murdering Tia between August 2 and 10, last year.

Hazell, of New Addington, south London, was remanded in custody to face trial at the same court on May 7.

Tia's body was found in the loft at the house of Christine Sharp a week after she was reported missing.

Her disappearance sparked searches by police and members of the public, but the body was missed when the attic was first searched.

PA