A MAN has denied murdering a 43-year-old father from Farnworth.

Mario Simpson appeared at Manchester Crown Court by video link, charged with murder and obstructing a coroner.

The 38-year-old, of Somerford Road, Reddish, pleaded not guilty to murder but entered no plea to obstructing a coroner.

He was remanded in custody until May 23, when he will go on trial.

Paul Begley, of Daffodil Road, Farnworth, was found dead on a bridge in Wood End Lane, Hyde, in December.

A 31-year-old woman from Farnworth had also been arrested on suspicion of murder, but the charge has now been dropped.