A woman accused of murdering a man at a block of flats in Allerton, Bradford, is to contest the allegation, a court heard.

Alexia Heckles, 35, appeared for the first time at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The court heard she faced a charge of murdering Scott Dunne at Rosemary Gardens, Allerton.

Mr Dunne, 41, died at the scene from serious head injuries after being discovered at the flat in the early hours of Saturday.

Heckles’ solicitor, Tahir Ayub, told the court his client denied the allegation.

Mr Ayub said: “For the record, the allegation of murder is denied and will be contested at trial in due course.”

A number of members of Mr Dunne’s family were in the public gallery, along with senior detectives and police family liaison officers, for the brief two-minute hearing.

Heckles, of Rosemary Gardens, was accompanied in the secure dock by two female detention officers.

Wearing a cream-coloured crocheted jumper over a blue and white striped top and black trousers, she confirmed her name, date of birth and address, when asked by the court clerk.

Prosecutor Nadine Clough told the Bench, of two women and a man, that the victim’s family was present in court. Miss Clough said the matter would have to be sent to the crown court and the defendant could not apply for bail before the magistrates. She said custody time limits lasted until July 21.

Mr Ayub confirmed Heckles did not have the right to apply for bail at the magistrates’ court, but said he was putting the prosecution on notice that there would be an application for bail in due course.

Chairman of the Bench, Mrs Annette Hattersley, told Heckles the matter was being sent for trial at Bradford Crown Court and the next hearing would be tomorrow.

Asked if she understood, Heckles nodded and replied: “Yeah.”

As she left the dock she nodded towards two women sitting at the back of the court.