William Kean, 46, was accused of killing Janet Methven when he appeared in a public court for the first time yesterday.

Prosecutors allege Kean struck Mrs Methven repeatedly on her head and body at her cottage in Forteviot, Perthshire, on February 20.

Defence QC Brian McConnachie entered a plea of not guilty on Kean's behalf when he appeared for a pre-trial hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday.

He has also lodged a special defence of incrimination, the court was told.

Kean faces four charges in total. The murder charge alleges he assaulted and killed Mrs Methven, who was also known as Jenny.

It is further alleged that between February 20 and March 28 Kean poured bleach, or something similar, onto his bloodstained trousers.

A third charge alleges that between March 13 and 19, Kean repeatedly cut the finger tips and palms on both his hands with a knife or something similar.

Another charge alleges that Kean stole around £15,000 from Mrs Methven's cottage on September 14 last year.

Judge Lord Bracadale fixed the case for Glasgow from Monday, August 6.