A police officer has denied the murder and manslaughter of former Premier League footballer Dalian Atkinson.

The trial of PC Benjamin Monk, of West Mercia Police, is expected to open next week at Birmingham Crown Court.

Monk, 42, spoke to deny both charges against him at a hearing on Monday, ahead of jury selection in his case.

Prosecutor Alexandra Healy QC told the same court last week that opening addresses to the jury were due to take place on 4 May.

Monk was charged in 2019 with murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter after an inquiry into Mr Atkinson’s death in 2016 in Telford, Shropshire.

The constable’s colleague, PC Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith, 31, is also set to face trial accused of assault.

She has already entered a not guilty plea to a charge alleging she assaulted Mr Atkinson occasioning actual bodily harm prior to his death on 15 August 2016.

The 48-year-old former striker played for several clubs, including Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town.

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