Accused denies sex with 'victim'

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A dairy worker accused of murdering a woman and burying her on farmland has told a jury that they did not have a sexual relationship.

Lukasz Reszpondek, 30, denies killing Indonesia-born Ermatati Rodgers, 41, whose body was found in March in a field at Erddig, near Wrexham.

The Pole, who admits preventing her lawful burial, said she was a friend who helped him improve his English.

The trial continues at Mold Crown Court.

The court heard that the married father-of-two travelled to Wales in 2004 to look for work.

Giving evidence at his trial, Mr Reszpondek said he met Ms Rodgers, who was known as Tati, at Dairycrest near Wrexham.

Lukasz Reszpondek said he told Ms Rodgers he did not want a relationship

He said she would help him with his language skills as they worked opposite each other on the production line for up to 12 hours.

On one occasion when he stayed at Ms Rodgers's flat while he was looking for new accommodation she kissed him, he said, but he made it clear he was not looking for a relationship.

He admitted they could have been in bed together once after a party at his landlord's house but he said they never had sexual intercourse.

Asked about his semen found on Ms Rodgers's mattress, he said it got there when he slept in her bed with his wife when they were staying with Ms Rodgers while searching for a family home.

He said he moved to the UK looking for a normal life and he missed his wife until she joined him.