Connor Chapman is set to to stand trial later this year charged with the murder of Elle Edwards.
The popular beautician died aged 26 after being shot outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey, Wirral, on Christmas Eve. Merseyside Police believe she was not the intended target of the shooting with four other men also struck during the incident, although they are expected to make good recoveries.
Chapman, of Houghton Road in Woodchurch, was charged with Ms Edwards' murder last week. The 22-year-old appeared before Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon, Monday, via video link to HMP Manchester.
READ MORE: 'I wouldn't class myself as a drug dealer' says man convicted twice
Sporting long, wavy brown hair and wearing a black Nike zip-up top, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. Chapman was not asked to enter a plea to the murder charge or counts of attempting to murder Kieran Salkeld and Jake Duffy.
Similarly, he was not asked to give pleas to charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent against Harry Loughran, Jake Speed and Liam Carr. The defendant also faces counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, namely a Skorpion submachine gun and 9mm short 0.380 auto/acp calibre ammo.
A further charge of handling stolen goods states that Chapman was in possession of a stolen 19-plate Mercedes A-Class between December 22 and Boxing Day last year. A trial date was scheduled for June 7 this year, and the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC remanded him into custody ahead of a further appearance before the same court on April 17.
READ NEXT: Drug smuggler mum rants 'there was absolutely no evidence' after guilty verdict
Drug dealer on the run for 10 years told 'f*** these lot' as he's finally caught
Thug walked free from court for bottling ex girlfriend weeks before he shot schoolgirl
Teenage arsonist confessed to his crime 'as soon as the police mentioned KFC'
Machete attacker, schoolgirl shooter and Wetherspoons brawler among criminals sent to jail this week