A HAMPSHIRE man has denied murder – but admitted preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body.

Ricardo Pisano, of Methuen Street, Southampton, appeared in court to deny murdering Michael Polding, 62, who was discovered dead in his home in St George’s Road Brighton in July 2012.

The 36-year-old, dubbed the artful dodger, also denied grievous bodily harm in relation to Mr Polding when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court.

Pisano was living in St George’s Road but gave his address in court as Southampton.

A trial is scheduled to take place in November.