Sandy Hadfield's body was found in Boultham Park

Timothy Cuffy , 35, of Lincoln is alleged to have cut Sandy Hadfield's throat with a Gurkha knife after leading her to the city's Boultham Park in July 2002.

The prosecution has claimed that Mr Cuffy plied the teenager with drink until she was "literally legless" before taking her to a secluded spot and murdering her.

Mr Cuffy claims he merely discovered the girl's body as he rode his bike through the park.

999 call

The jury at Lincoln Crown Court heard on Tuesday that the defendant was asked by police if he killed the girl, and replied: "No, I didn't."

In interviews read to the jury, Mr Cuffy claimed he was cycling in the park when he noticed something in the bushes - then realised it was a person's legs.

Mr Cuffy, who said he often rode through the area on his way to visit his girlfriend's mother, told police he dialled 999 as soon as he realised he had found a body.

He denies murdering the teenager from North Hykeham.