A MAN aged 34 is to stand trial on September 5 accused of sexually assaulting and wounding a woman who was found dead at a bungalow in Shelf last month.

Matthew Dean, of Soaper Lane, Shelf, appeared before Bradford Crown Court today on a video link from Leeds Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting Marie Johnston, 44, on October 18 last year.

Dean also denied causing Miss Johnston grievous bodily harm with intent, between March 30 and April 3 this year.

Prosecutor Tim Capstick told the court: "The complainant is deceased and the cause of death has not yet been established. There are ongoing enquiries."

Mr Capstick said further medical examinations were being carried out.

Judge Jonathan Rose fixed another case management hearing for August 19.

Ray Singh, solicitor advocate for Dean, made no application for bail.

Judge Rose told bespectacled Dean, who wore a light green casual patterned jacket and a white shirt, that he would remain in custody.

Dean originally appeared before Calderdale Magistrates' Court in Halifax.

Police officers were called to the Shelf bungalow on the evening of April 3 after an ambulance crew reported a woman's body being discovered there.