The man accused of murdering Bradford prostitute Maureen Stepan said he didn't kill her.

George Naylor told the jury at Sheffield Crown Court he had continually lied to police about his movements on the night she had died to protect his wife.

Naylor denies murdering the 18-year-old at her home in Washington Street, Girlington, on June 8, 1995.

"I didn't murder this girl," he said. "I've done nothing wrong to anyone except my wife."

He told the court that lying was "the easiest way out" and he didn't expect the case to go any further.

"I wasn't a bit interested in the murder case," he said. "If I got confused, I'm sorry, but I wasn't bothered. I was prepared to lie all the way through because of my wife."

Under cross-examination, Naylor admitted he had lied to police about the time he had returned home to Alva Terrace, Shipley, on the night of Maureen's death. He also said he had lied about the route he had driven home through the red light district.

Naylor also told the court he had lied to police about washing the inside of his car when he returned to the North East the day after Maureen's body was found.

A neighbour said that she had seen Naylor thoroughly washing the reel trims of the Proton car, scrubbing the rubber mats and sweeping the inside of the car.

Cross-examining, Paul Worsley QC said: "You have told lies to the police about the times you were out and about.

"You have told lies to police about where you were in the early hours of the morning. You have told lies about wearing grey trousers that night when you were wearing jeans."

Naylor said: "I wasn't bothered about the murder, I was bothered about my wife. There was nothing sinister."

The case continues.

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