A 55-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a man whose remains were found in a pond.

The body of Phillip Lewis, 59, was discovered in Oakwood Pond in Harlow, on New Year’s Eve.

Lee Clarke, of Wedhey, is accused of killing him between 11 November and 31 December.

He was remanded in custody at Chelmsford Crown Court following a short plea hearing.

A three-week trial has been scheduled for 21 August.