Former Manchester police officer denies murdering his wife

A former Greater Manchester Police sergeant has pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife.

A former Greater Manchester Police sergeant has pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife.

Darren McKie appeared via video link for the plea hearing at Chester Crown Court this morning.

His wife, Leanne, who also worked for the GMP, was found dead in a lake in Poynton Park in the early hours of September 29 by people out walking their dog.

Mr McKie, a father of three, was arrested shortly afterwards and charged with her murder; which is alleged to have taken place at their home in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

In a statement released by Mrs McKie’s parents Raymond and Ellen after Leanne’s death, they said:

“Leanne was a beautiful and loving daughter and a wonderful mother to our three special grandchildren.
She was the light of our lives and will be so sadly missed every day.”

Mr McKie has also been charged with manslaughter, which he also denies.

A trial date has been set for March 5.