A MAN has appeared in court on charges connected to the death of a nursery worker.

The body of Claire Lucas, 25, was found in Tang Hall, York, last July.

Daniel Heath, 35, is charged with preventing the lawful burial of Miss Lucas, 25, between June 29 and July 3 last year.

He is also charged with stealing £200 from Miss Lucas on July 1 by taking her bank card after she was dead and using it.

Her body was found in a house in Fourth Avenue, Tang Hall, on July 2.

Heath, of Briggs Avenue, Crewe, Cheshire, spoke briefly during the short hearing at York Magistrates' Court to confirm his name, age, and address.

His case was sent to York Crown Court where he will appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on April 30 and he was released on unconditional bail.

He indicated he will deny the charges when he appears before a crown court judge.