A MAN who killed his partner had “tried to throw her off the balcony” of their flat in front of their child, a court has heard.

Charlie Booth, 27, of Albert Road, in Saltaire, is accused of murdering 26-year-old Lauren Howe on July 24 last year.

He is on trial at Leeds Crown Court (LCC).

Booth and Ms Howe were a couple, getting together when the latter was 15, and had two children.

They lived together in a flat, in Tennis Way, Baildon.

West Yorkshire Police was notified by Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) at 9.46am on July 24 that they were treating an injured woman after an incident in that area.

Ms Howe died at the scene, but her death was later certified at hospital.

Booth denies murder but has admitted to killing his partner, Ms Howe.

Nicholas Lumley KC, for the prosecution, said his case will be he “did not mean it”.

Ms Howe died from an internal injury - her liver torn was open in an injury usually seen "after a car crash or fall from height”.

This led to heavy bleeding in her abdominal cavity (tummy).

She suffered a number of other injuries too.

More witnesses gave evidence in court on Tuesday, including two of Ms Howe’s sisters.

Lily Anne Howe, 18, told the jury about a number of times over the years where Booth had been aggressive and violent towards her older sister.

The 18-year-old said at one point Booth “tried to throw her off the balcony” of their flat in Tennis Way.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The properties in Tennis Way, Baildon, some of which have balconiesThe properties in Tennis Way, Baildon, some of which have balconies (Image: Google Street View)

She could not remember when it was exactly – in 2020 or 2021 - but told the court it began with an argument between the couple, while one of their children was at a friend’s house and the other was outside playing.

Lily Anne Howe said: "Charlie got a bit aggressive and tried to throw her off the balcony."

She added: "He dragged her, put his hand on the back of her neck, forced her to go and one of the children was screaming."

Nicholas Lumley KC, for the prosecution, questioned Lily Anne Howe further and she said: “Charlie got her to the balcony and leaned her over, then the child started screaming and he let her go."

Frida Hussain KC, for the defence, questioned this account in cross-examination.

She said Booth “didn’t throw her off the balcony obviously” and it “wasn’t a serious attempt to get her off the balcony”.

Lily Anne Howe agreed and said Booth was “probably trying to scare her”.

The trial continues.