Man denies murdering wife at family home in Halifax

Monika Lasek, inset, and the scene in Solstice Way, Illingworth.

Zbigniew Lasek was charged with the murder of 36-year-old mum-of-three Monika Lasek after she was found with stab wounds at a house on Solstice Way, Illingworth.

Lasek was brought from custody for a hearing before the Recorder of Bradford Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC this morning and formally entered his not guilty plea through a Polish interpreter.

During a 30-minute hearing about the progress of the case it was confirmed by counsel that the issues at the week-long trial would self defence and loss of control.

Back in January it was stated that the trial would begin on May 21, but today the judge told counsel that it was now possible to bring the case forward a week and the trial would now start on May 14.

Lasek was remanded back into custody until his trial next month.