A MOTHER has denied murdering her newborn baby and leaving his body wrapped up in a towel in a patch of woodland near Southampton. 

Silipa Keresi is accused of killing Maliki Keresi in March last year, shortly after giving birth.

Today, at Winchester Crown Court, the 37-year-old Fijian pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder.

The baby’s body was found wrapped in a towel by a horrified dog walker in woodland off Shore Road in Hythe.

The court previously heard that the baby was assessed to have survived no longer than 24 hours.

She appeared in court today wearing a blue hoodie and grey tracksuits with her hair tied back in a high bun.

She spoke to confirm her name, give her date of birth and enter a plea to the charge.

A trial date has been set for November 16 this year.