A man accused of the murder of his wife in her own home is to stand trial this summer.

Rafal Winiarski, 40, has been charged with murder of Malgorzata Lechanska, 37, whose body was found at their home in Lake Close, Shipdham, on Sunday, August 1 last year.

The defendant appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday (May 5) for a plea and trial preparation hearing (PTPH) when he denied murder.

Eastern Daily Press: Picture of Malgorzata Lechanska whose body was found at her home in Lake Close, Shipdham on August 1.Picture of Malgorzata Lechanska whose body was found at her home in Lake Close, Shipdham on August 1. (Image: Facebook)

Winiarski, of Lake Close, Shipdham will stand trial on July 25 this year.

Judge Alice Robinson fixed a pre-trial review in the case for July 4.

Peter Gair appeared at the hearing for the prosecution and Lori Tucker appeared on behalf of Winiarski.

As previously reported, emergency services had been called to the scene at around 1.21pm on August 1 last year following concerns for the safety of Ms Lechanska. She was pronounced dead a short time later.

Eastern Daily Press: Forensic services remain on scene in Lake Close, Shipdham, after the body of Malgorzata Lechanska was discovered by police on Sunday (August 1).Forensic services remain on scene in Lake Close, Shipdham, after the body of Malgorzata Lechanska was discovered by police on Sunday (August 1). (Image: Peter Walsh, Archant Norfolk)

A post-mortem examination revealed she died as a result of a severe head injury.

The mother-of-two had worked at Center Parcs near Thetford for the past three years and was described as a "popular" member of staff who would be "sorely missed".

A spokesman said at the time: "Our thoughts are with Malgorzata’s family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.

"Malgorzata was a highly regarded and popular member of the Housekeeping team at Center Parcs Elveden Forest, and she will be truly missed.

Neighbours of Ms Lechanska also described their shock at the death of the "caring" and "quiet" woman who loved her garden and who planted fruit plants for other children in the community to enjoy.

They were planning on getting a memorial bench installed near where she lived so her daughters - aged seven and 16 - can go and remember her.

But it is not only those who knew the victim who were affected by the death.

Adrian Zolkowski-O'Dell, chairman of the Norfolk Polish Heritage Group, did not know Ms Lechanska personally, but described her death as a "tragedy".

He said: "Thousands of Poles have moved to Norfolk since World War Two.

"They've been valuable members of the community, often well liked and loved and it's a tragedy to hear of such an event."