Murder accused denies further three charges

Richard Price
BBC News, West Midlands
Family Louis Price is wearing a black T-shirt and dark sunglasses. He is holding a large fish close to the camera and smiling. There is greenery and trees in the background.Family
Kirsty Carless denies the murder of Louis Price

A woman who denies the murder of a father of six on Christmas Day has also denied three other charges.

Kirsty Carless, 33, appeared at Stafford Crown Court via video link where she pleaded not guilty to possessing a kitchen knife in a taxi, intentionally strangling Louis Price on an earlier date and causing him actual bodily harm.

She spoke only to enter her pleas and confirm she could hear the court. She denied murdering Mr Carless at a property on Elm Road in Norton Canes, near Cannock, at an earlier hearing.

Judge Kristina Montgomery KC said Ms Carless would have to appear in person in front of the trial judge for a pre-trial hearing on 11 July.

The trial is expected to start on 14 July and last for three weeks.

A police car is parked in a cul-de-sac. There are several houses with cars parked outside them. It is misty and grey.
Despite medical efforts Louis Price died at the house in Elm Road

In a statement released through Staffordshire Police, Mr Price's family described him as a "well-known member of the community" who was "well-loved" and always smiling.

They said: "He always had time for anyone and would help anyone he could.

"Louis was a devoted fisherman, he had a passion for fishing and regularly went away on trips with friends and family.

"He loved football, he played for a team and was a lifelong supporter of Aston Villa.

"As a family we are devastated at losing Louis. Life will never be the same without him, he leaves a huge hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.

"Christmas is a time we have always spent together as a family, to lose Louis at this time is even harder."

He had four daughters and two sons, who he loved dearly, they said.

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