Woman Denies Concealing Knives and Lying to Police in New Year's Day Stabbing Case

Karla Pukutova, 31, has pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice related to the alleged murder of Alberto Urso, 38, during an incident on Essex Street in Rochdale on January 1.

Pukutova appeared at Manchester Crown Court on April 23 to enter her plea. A trial has been set for her and co-defendant Hassan Suliman, who is charged with murder.

Emergency services responded to the Essex Street scene at approximately 2.40am, where Mr. Urso was discovered with a fatal knife wound, according to Greater Manchester Police.

In February, co-defendant Hassan Suliman, 30, of Rothesay Terrace, also denied six charges at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, including murder.

Through a Sudanese interpreter, he pleaded not guilty to Mr. Urso's alleged murder, two counts of possessing a kitchen knife, and another charge for possessing a wooden chair as an offensive weapon on January 1.

Additionally, Suliman denied assault causing actual bodily harm to a woman and assault by beating another woman during the specified dates.

A further case management hearing is scheduled for June 9, with the trial set to start on July 28. Ms Pukutova has been granted unconditional bail until her next hearing.