A MAN is to go on trial for the murder of a woman who was found stabbed to death at her home in Southampton.

Abdelaziz El Yechioui Ourzat is accused of killing Cristina Ortiz-Lozano, aged, 28, who was discovered at her home address on Spear Road, Southampton, on Saturday, September 21, just before 10pm.

A post-mortem examination previously confirmed that she died of "multiple stab wounds".

El Yechioui Ourzat, of King George’s Avenue, Southampton, appeared at Winchester Crown Court.

Speaking through an interpreter the 29-year-old pleaded not guilty to murder.

Judge Keith Cutler, the Recorder of Winchester, told Mr El Yechioui Ourzat that he will now stand trial on March 30, which is expected to last two to three weeks.

Mr El Yechioui Ourzat was remanded back into custody. However, he will be brought back to court next Friday, January 17, for a further hearing.

As previously reported, following Ms Ortiz-Lozano's death, a statement from her family said: "Cristina, you passed away too soon, to join your dog Noa.

"We will never forget your vitality, your happiness or your determination to achieve your goals.

"You always gave the best of yourself to your family, your doggies, your dreams.

"The word impossible was not in your vocabulary. We will always love you and miss you."