A MAN who has been accused of the murder of Amie Gray on Bournemouth beach earlier this year has pleaded not guilty. 

Nasen Saadi, 20, will now stand trial for the murder of the Ms Gray, 34, and the alleged attempted murder of Leanne Miles, 38.

The Croydon resident appeared by video link from HMP Belmarsh wearing a grey t-shirt and glasses for the hearing at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday, September 12.

Sarah Jones KC, prosecuting, said: “This is a case where we have a trial date listed for November 25 with the current time estimate of four weeks.

“We have in court family members of the deceased, Ms Gray, and I do not believe the victim, Ms Miles, is anticipated in court today, but she is being kept updated.”

(Image: Newsquest)

Saadi has also been charged with failing to provide access details to his telephone but he was not asked to enter a plea to this count.

Judge Angela Morris adjourned the case until a pre-trial review hearing to be held on October 18.

She told the defendant: “Mr Saadi, there is going to be a further hearing on the 18th October. You remain in custody in the meantime.”

Dorset Police received a report at around 11.40pm on May 24 that two people had been stabbed on Durley Chine beach. 

Ms Gray, a postal worker who lived in Parkstone, was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.24am on Saturday, May 25. 

A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Purdue at Holly Tree Lodge, with the cause of death provided as multiple stab wounds. 

Meanwhile, Ms Miles, 38, suffered serious injuries but was discharged from hospital. 

After Ms Gray's death, her mum Sharon Macklin said: “As a family we are devastated to have lost one of the most amazing, funny, kind and energetic souls.

“When Amie entered a room it filled with laughter and her presence could not be ignored.

“She was beautiful inside and out and there are no words that can express how empty our lives will be without her.

(Image: Newsquest)

“We will miss her so much and our hearts are forever broken.”

Amie’s wife, Sian Gray, added: “Words cannot describe the pain that we feel. Amie was the most loving wife and mother.

“Her giggly laugh and big smile will be hard to be without. A larger-than-life character. I will miss you immensely my love. To the moon and back, forever and always.

“Thank you for all of the love and support shown and for respecting our privacy. It is a difficult time for everyone.”

In the aftermath of the incident, a complaint was made to the Metropolitan Police on June 3 from a third party relating to the handling of an allegation made in February earlier this year. 

The force made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on June 7.