London: A 35-year-old man in the UK today denied the charges of murdering an Indian-origin woman whom he met online through a dating website.
Miles Donnelly alias Miles Ryan pleaded not guilty to the murder of Usha Patel, who was repeatedly stabbed and strangled to death in October last year. He will stand trial at the Old Bailey court in London from February 15.
Donnelly, who was also accused of attacking a second woman Rosie Ferringo soon after Patel’s murder was arrested after Scotland Yard launched a man-hunt to nab Patel’s killer.
44-year-old Patel was found dead at her home at Cricklewood in north-west London while her five-year-old autistic son was in another room.
Patel is believed to have met her alleged killer online on a dating site and arranged meetings thereafter, Metropolitan police said.
Her neighbours said she had lived at the property for about nine years with her son, who was completely dependent on her due to his condition.
Post-mortem reports revealed that she died of stab wounds and asphyxiation.
Donelly has been remanded in custody until the start of the trial next month.