Man denies murdering woman near Maidenhead 34 years ago

Shani Warren was found in Taplow lake

Author: PAPublished 11th Mar 2022

A man has denied murdering Shani Warren 34 years ago.

Donald Robertson instructed his lawyers that he intends to enter a not guilty plea to the charge of murdering Ms Warren, whose body was discovered in water in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, in April 1987, Reading Crown Court heard on Friday.

Robertson, 66, did not appear at the hearing to enter pleas, but the court heard he denies a further four charges, including indecent assault and unlawful imprisonment involving the same woman.

Robertson is also charged with the kidnap and rape of a 16-year-old girl in nearby Slough in July 1981. She cannot be named for legal reasons.

Michael Ivers QC, representing Robertson, said: “Our instructions are that it is not guilty.”

The defendant is set to enter pleas on the first day of his four-week trial, starting on April 27.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.