THREE people from Wyre Forest have denied the unlawful killing of a woman who died after being trapped in a capsized pleasure boat.
Ruth Pearson, 39, of St George's Terrace, Kidderminster, Thomas Prescot, 48, of George Street, Kidderminster, and 42-year-old Janice Ward, of Worcester Road, Stourport, all pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Jane Turner when they appeared at Birmingham Crown Court.
Mrs Turner, a 45-year-old tax worker from Castle Bromwich, died when the 20ft cruiser Sweetie Pie sank after Stourport Carnival on September 6 last year.
The Inland Revenue employee was one of several passengers on board the craft at the town's marina.
The others either swam to the riverbank or were hauled to safety by rescuers.
The three defendants spoke only to confirm their names and deny the joint charge during the plea and direction hearing on Monday.
The Recorder of Birmingham, John Saunders QC, adjourned the case until November 22 for a further directions hearing at a venue to be fixed.
A trial date was set for March 14 next year at Birmingham Crown Court.
The case is expected to last between three and four weeks.
The defendants were released on unconditional bail.
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