Man denies murdering woman who died after assault

A man has pleaded not guilty to murdering a woman who died six days after an alleged assault.

Lisa-Marie Hopkins, 34, was found at her home in Harcourt Road, Southampton, on 29 December having suffered a serious head injury.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said she died in hospital on 4 January.

Kevin Pead, 45, from Southampton, was initially charged with attempted murder but has now appeared before Southampton Crown Court charged with murder.

He has been remanded in custody and a trial date has been set for 29 June.

Before the hearing, Hopkins' family released a tribute through police, describing her as a "beautiful soul and full of life, with great determination".

"She would always help others, no matter what she was going through," they said.

"Lisa-Marie was a kind and caring daughter who also loved her children so much.

"She is sadly missed."

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