A WOMAN charged with murdering her partner will claim self-defence as an issue in her trial, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

Baiba Andersone, who was assisted by a Latvian interpreter, wept in the dock this morning as she denied the offence.

Andersone, who is being held in custody, first replied "no" to the murder accusation and then added: "I am not guilty."

Her trial, scheduled to last at least seven days, was fixed for March 6 next year.

Andersone, 35, is charged with murdering 41-year-old Dainius Dobrovolskis who died on September 5 as a result of head injuries at the home the couple shared in Stephenson Street, Great Horton, Bradford.

Lawyers are still awaiting the full pathologist's report into the death of Mr Dobrovolskis, a Lithuanian national.

Andersone's barrister, Andrew Dallas, told the court: "An issue will be self-defence."

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Roger Thomas QC, remanded Andersone back into custody.

The court was told there may be a future bail application, exploring the possibility of her release from prison remand to a probation service managed hostel.

Representatives of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team at West Yorkshire Police attended the short court hearing.

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