A HATFIELD resident accused of murdering a man found buried in his garden has pleaded not guilty.

Richard Clare is charged with killing 43-year-old Peter McConnell on March 21.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr McConnell, also from Hatfield, died of a single stab wound.

His remains were found buried in the garden of Clare’s home in Fern Dells.

Clare, 38, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday.

A three-week trial is due to take place in November.