A lodger accused of stabbing his flatmate to death in an attempt to steal her savings denied murder at the Old Bailey today.

Michael Purcell, 53, allegedly knifed Imelda Molina repeatedly at the home they shared in Ashford Court, Ashford Road, Cricklewood.

He is also accused of burglary after allegedly stealing Mrs Molina’s rucksack containing £1,000 in cash on the day of the stabbing.

Police and paramedics were called to the multi-occupancy home at 7:22pm on October 28 last year and found Mrs Molina, 49, who shared the flat with her husband, with stab wounds to her torso and body.

The 49-year-old had moved to the UK from the Philippines in 2013 and had been working as a housekeeper.

Purcell, who lodged with Mrs Molina and her husband, appeared in court by videolink from Wormwood Scrubs prison wearing a green sweater.

He sat quietly throughout proceedings, speaking only to confirm his name and answer “not guilty” to charges of murder and burglary in a thick Irish accent.

The Recorder of London, Nicholas Hilliard QC, remanded Purcell in custody before his trial on April 6, which is expected to last six days.

Purcell denies murder and burglary.