A police officer has pleaded not guilty to murdering his detective wife, whose body was found in a lake in Cheshire.
Leanne McKie, 39, was found dead in a lake in Poynton Park in the early hours of 29 September. Her husband, Darren McKie, with whom she had three children, was charged with her murder three days later.
During a hearing at Chester crown court on Friday, Darren McKie appeared via video-link from prison to deny both the murder and manslaughter of his wife. He was remanded in custody and a trial date was set for 5 March.
The couple both worked for Greater Manchester police, with Leanne working as a detective constable in the force’s serious sexual offences unit and Darren working as a police sergeant.
In a statement released after her death, McKie’s parents said: “Leanne was a beautiful and loving daughter and a wonderful mother to our three special grandchildren. She was the light of our lives and will be so sadly missed every day.”
Speaking in October, GMP’s detective inspector Adam Waller said: “Leanne was a devoted mum of three young children and a dedicated officer who worked tirelessly to support victims of crime.
“Her family, friends and colleagues have been left totally devastated by her death and she will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.”
