Man denies murdering sex offender

David Mitchell pleaded not guilty to killing Robert Hind, 46, at Leeds Crown Court today (Wednesday).

Mr Hind, a convicted paedophile, disappeared from a Dewsbury address in December, sparking a police manhunt.

Officers arrested Mitchell, 46, after human remains were found in a canal in Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, by police divers.

A post mortem examination found Mr Hind had died as the result of strangulation and head injuries.

Today was the first time Mitchell, of Manchester Road, Cowlersley, had appeared in court after refusing to leave his cell on three previous occasions

A date has not yet been set for his trial.